Copper is essential for both Iron and Zinc utilization, as well as for maintaining a strong cardiovascular system. Copper, along with Iron, is necessary to produce hemoglobin (the part of the red blood cell that carries oxygen from the lungs to all the cells in the body). Copper is necessary for the normal development and maintenance of blood, bone, nerves, connective tissue, and other tissues. Copper functions synergistically with Iron. Iron is an essential element in hemoglobin, but without Copper, Iron is not transported correctly throughout the body. Iron depends upon Copper to become part of the red blood cells. Consequently, the body can't metabolize Iron without the help it gets from Copper. As blood levels of Copper drop, Iron absorption decreases, and red blood cell production is inhibited. Copper contributes to the structural integrity of connective tissue throughout the body. Collagen requires copper for proper reproduction. It is an important component of elastin.