While copper is an essential mineral, it is not a vitamin.
Copper is vital for various bodily functions, acting as a cofactor for several enzymes called cuproenzymes. These enzymes are involved in critical processes, including:
- Energy production
- Iron metabolism
- Neuropeptide activation
- Connective tissue synthesis
- Neurotransmitter synthesis [1-3]
Therefore, it's important to differentiate between minerals and vitamins. While both are essential nutrients, they play different roles and have distinct classifications. Copper is a mineral.