Mechanism and Effect of Excess Copper Supplementation on Body Lipids

Four rat experiments were done to determine the effect of copper supplementation, in excess of the rat’s nutritional needs, on body weight and blood and liver lipids. Excess copper in the form of gluconate or yeast had no effect on weight gain. It significantly diminished the concentration of serum cholesterol and serum triglycerides. Excess copper raised the concentration of serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol. This form of cholesterol is hypothesised as a carrier of cholesterol from the plasma to the liver for ultimate excretion and is thus a beneficial form of cholesterol. Excess copper was also found to increase the level of liver cholesterol. Mechanistic studies with a radioactive cholesterol precursor also indicate that excess copper supplementation moves cholesterol from the plasma to the liver for ultimate excretion.