Copper in the Human Body: Two Essential Forms

There are two forms of copper that exist in the human body:

1. Cuprous (Cu+) ion: This is the reduced form of copper, which means it has lost an electron and carries a positive charge. Cuprous ions play a role in various enzymatic reactions and are involved in the transportation of copper across cell membranes.

2. Cupric (Cu2+) ion: This is the oxidized form of copper, which means it has gained an electron and carries a positive charge. Cupric ions are important for the function of certain enzymes, including those involved in energy production and antioxidant defense.

Both cuprous and cupric ions are essential for various physiological processes in the human body, such as iron metabolism, connective tissue formation, and the functioning of the nervous system.