Oysters and the art of balancing copper and zinc

Oysters and the art of balancing copper and zinc

Is zinc important? No question about it. Zinc helps keep your eyes healthy, your immune system functioning properly, and inhibits abnormal blood clotting.

Is the oyster your best source of zinc? That may be questionable.

In the e-Alert “Zinchronicity” (6/12/08) I noted that oysters are not only nutrient-rich (vitamins D, A, and B-12, as well as EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids), but they’re also loaded with zinc – anywhere between 40 mg to nearly 280 mg per every 200 calories.

But an HSI member named Mrs. H. notes a potential drawback: “Oysters as a source of zinc is problematic because it is also high in copper and the two minerals are antagonists. Often people who are low in zinc are high in copper so oysters would not be the best source of zinc.

“Dr. Carl Pfeiffer’s book “Mental and Elemental Nutrients” has some good information about zinc and B-6. The two work together. He also addresses copper toxicity. Ann Louise Gittleman’s book “Why Am I Always So Tired?” also addresses the issue of copper toxicity and the need for zinc.”

Mrs. H. is right on track. According to nutritiondata.com, one cup of eastern wild raw oysters (248 grams) contains about 225 mg of zinc, and 11 mg of copper. That’s a lot of copper. Zinc intake can create a copper deficiency, but Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., recommends only 1-2 mg of copper daily to offset a deficiency.