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Copper is used by various enzymes in the body as a helper for the chemical reaction.  The chemical reaction may involve creating energy, decreasing the body's inflammatory response, blood clotting and so on.  Below is an overview of the way copper is absorbed into the body and how it is used.

• Absorption of copper
  • Copper is absorbed by the body at 2 main sites:
    • small intestine
    • stomach
    • The use of copper bracelets assumes that the skin can be an adequate third site for constant copper absorption.
• Transport of absorbed copper
  • Copper does not float through the bloodstream as a lone copper  ion but is carried by proteins (Think of a ring bearer's pillow carrying the ring).  2 main carrier proteins:
    • ceruloplasmin (specifically for copper)
  • albumin (can carry many things including copper)
• Copper Storage
  • Copper is stored in proteins called metallothioneins
• Enzyme Need for Copper
  • Enzymes are proteins specialized to assist in a chemical function.
  • Copper is needed by enzymes as a "helper" in a chemical reaction.  This function makes copper essential for life.
    • Cytochrome C oxidase (essential for energy production)
    • Superoxide dismutase (essential for protection against oxidative tissue damage)
    • Dopamine hydroxylase (essential for adrenaline production)
    • Lysyl oxidase (essential in collagen and elastin production)
    • Factor V enzyme (essential in blood clotting)
    • ceruloplasmin (a carrier protein, but also aids in iron metabolism and antioxidant protection).
      • Of the above mentioned functions, copper has been mostly proposed to possess "anti-inflammatory" properties (protection from oxidative damage ie: arthritis, tennis elbow etc) as well as the energy producing properties.
• Copper may play a central role in protecting us from cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, free radicals and cancer.  (For more information about this topic check out the Copper Deficiency Link)