When it comes to trace elements in your body, iron usually gets the spotlight, as low iron is tied to anemia. However, copper is another essential element that is responsible for functions in your body and could be tied to your health woes.
Copper actually helps iron form red blood cells, and it also aids in the absorption of iron, so you could say copper is iron’s trusty sidekick. Without it, iron just wouldn’t be able to perform like it does. Here are 12 signs you’re running low on copper (think seafood, nuts, beans, and dark chocolate to bulk up on it)…
1. Feeling Fatigued
Since low iron is tied to anemia (which can make you feel weak and tired from lack of oxygen to tissue cells), and copper is so closely tied to iron, it’s no surprise that low copper can mean feeling fatigued.
Healthline.com explains that copper is essential in “absorbing iron from the gut,” and that several animal studies show copper is also linked to anemia. The source also explains that your body uses copper to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), “the body’s main source of energy,” so that’s pretty key.
