Role of copper in iron regulation

Copper seems to play an important role in the normal variable uptake rate
and tissue storage of iron regulation in the body. In some cases, not
enough might promote iron anemia. Here is an abstract exploring this
function of copper:

http://www.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/134/3/517

><markd@toad-net.com> wrote
> Copper seems to play an important role in the normal variable uptake rate
> and tissue storage of iron regulation in the body. In some cases, not
> enough might promote iron anemia. Here is an abstract exploring this
> function of copper:
> http://www.nutrition.org/cgi/content/abstract/134/3/517
... Iron can go either way with copper load, depending on
calcium and zinc status. Copper is synergistic with calcium,
but opposes zinc during uptake (but not storage). So in a
clinical sense, iron is not affected by copper unless there
are significant abnormalities with calcium or zinc status as
a result of both - calcium and zinc - being iron
antagonists.