September 25, 2001

Study Announced by Rowett Research Institute (Aberdeen, UK) and UC Davis (California, USA) to Research Importance of Copper During Pregnancy.

Why copper is good for you

A unique partnership between the Rowett Research Institute, based in Aberdeen, and the University of California at Davis, USA, will examine the role and importance of copper in the normal development of babies during pregnancy. The project is being funded by the International Copper Association and will for run for one year initially, with a planned extension to three years. The funding in the first year will be in the region of £150,000.

Professor Harry McArdle who will lead the research at the Rowett Institute said: "When most people think of copper they think of plumbing, bracelets and small coins. It's not widely understood that copper is an essential nutrient - we need it for our blood, to help our brains work and for babies to develop normally in the womb."

"The copper status of people in the developed world is not well documented and there may be sub-clinical problems of copper deficiency in European countries. There is no doubt, however, that there are places where copper deficiency affects the normal development of babies in the womb," said Professor McArdle.

In addition to bringing together the expertise of the two major research groups, two new appointments will be made to the project and the scientists concerned will spend time working at both the Rowett and the University of California.

"This kind of interchange is very important both for forging links between the two organisations, and also for making sure we maximise the use of the research outcomes from the project," said Professor Carl Keen, the project leader at the University of California.

This project is one of several being undertaken at the Rowett Research Institute which are investigating the links between maternal nutrition and fetal growth and development.

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For further information please contact:

Professor Harry McArdle on 01224 716628 or
Sue Bird, PR Manager on 01224 716668, mobile 07711 093417.

Notes The International Copper Association is an industry-sponsored body which among other things supports research into the environmental and biological effects of copper. Further information is available from http://www.copperinfo.com