Basics of Copper and Iron

By Jon Sasmor RCPC (Mineral Guide, MinBalance LLC)
Updated October 30, 2022

The Root Cause Protocol (RCP) says:

• Copper is MISSING IN ACTION!
• Iron is STUCK!

We need bioavailable copper to mobilize iron. Bioavailable coppper helps release the overload of iron from the cells (even if iron shows as low in the bloodstream).

Copper crucially activates ceruloplasmin, which can act as a ferroxidase to make the iron available. Iron needs copper at every stage of its metabolism. Otherwise, the iron gets stuck and causes oxidative stress. Copper begins to make trouble and iron builds in the cells when copper doesn't show up for work at its proper job in ceruloplasmin.

Ceruloplasmin also needs zinc to transfer iron efficiently for safe transport.

It's amazing to think of the tremendous load of iron in each serving of your prenatal, multivitamin, bread, pasta, pizza, pancakes, and breakfast cereal! What a huge load of oxidative stress from all that excess iron!

Aside from mobilizing iron, copper has many other important functions. Copper allows us to make energy through its role in Cytochrome C oxidase (COX) enzyme. We need energy for countless biochemical reactions that power our bodies and minds. Copper also fights oxidative stress through its role in Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) enzyme. When copper is missing, energy lags and oxidative stress builds.

These are some materials about copper-iron metabolism which you might enjoy reading:

• Morley Robbins' Iron Toxicity posts, especially #2, #20, and #51.
• Richard Nikoley's Iron, Food Enrichment and the Theory of Everything
• Dr. Ray Peat's Iron's Dangers
• Dr. Joe McCord's discussion of the peculiarities of iron in Iron, Free Radicals, and Oxidative Injury
• Dr. Jym Moon's book (which has a remarkable, detailed table of contents that you may be able to see in the preview), Iron: The Most Toxic Metal

Mineral balancing with Root Cause Protocol can help you:

• restore bioavailable copper
• mobilize stuck iron
• eliminate excess iron
• reduce oxidative stress
• feel much better!

Here's how to get started monitoring and improving your mineral balance.