Copper
Other name(s):
chelated copper, copper histidinate, cupric acetate
General description
Copper is a soft, reddish-orange metal. It’s an essential trace element. It’s being
studied to see how it helps the body. Copper may treat some types of anemia that don’t
respond to iron. Wilson disease and Menkes (kinky hair) disease are related to not
being able to use copper.
Copper levels are highest in the liver and brain. Copper is also found in the kidneys,
pancreas, and heart. Estrogen increases the amount of copper in your body. For this
reason, copper levels are highest during pregnancy.
Copper helps to form hemoglobin. It’s needed to make red blood cells. It’s also needed
for the energy production cycle of cells.
Copper helps your body absorb iron from the intestines. It also plays a role in making
new bone and connective tissue.
Medically valid uses
Copper comes as a supplement. It often comes in a multivitamin, mineral form.
Not getting enough copper can make you become deficient in this essential nutrient.
This can cause anemia. In some cases, copper supplements can improve anemia. They
can also help balance cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart rhythm. Copper is also
used to treat Menkes disease.
Unsubstantiated claims
There may be benefits that have not yet been proven through research.
Copper may help treat arthritis. Some people wear copper bracelets on their wrists
to treat arthritis. Copper is also claimed to help prevent heart disease and cancer.
Recommended intake
Supplements come as chelated (nontoxic) copper. Copper is measured in micrograms (mcg).
The RDA is the Recommended Dietary Allowance.
|
Group
|
RDA
|
|
Birth to 6 months
|
200 mcg
|
|
Infants 7 to 12 months
|
220 mcg
|
|
Children 1 to 3 years
|
340 mcg
|
|
Children 4 to 8 years
|
440 mcg
|
|
Children 9 to 13 years
|
700 mcg
|
|
Adolescents 14 to 18 years
|
890 mcg
|
|
Adults 19 years and older
|
900 mcg
|
|
Pregnant people
|
1,000 mcg
|
|
Breastfeeding people
|
1,300 mcg
|
Good dietary sources of copper include beef liver, nuts, beans, and mushrooms. Other
sources include oysters and other types of shellfish, dark leafy greens, cocoa, and
honey.
Copper is common in food sources. This is why copper deficiency is rare. However,
the average American diet tends to be low in copper. Vegetarians often have higher
copper levels than people who eat a standard American diet. People who receive their
nutrition by IV (intravenous) feeding (total parenteral nutrition) may need copper
supplements.
Copper competes with zinc for absorption. So, high levels of zinc may cause a copper
deficiency.
Copper deficiency can lead to a low white blood count. It can also make you more likely
to get infections. It can also cause bone demineralization, which may cause osteoporosis.
Copper plays a role in melanin synthesis. Copper deficiency can cause problems with
your skin and tissues. These can include defective collagen formation and problems
with skin and hair pigmentation.
Copper deficiency can also keep your immune system from working well. This is due
to a reduced energy metabolism. Other symptoms of copper deficiency may include arthritis, inflammation, and
anemia. They can also include weakening of connective tissue and heart damage.
Side effects, toxicity, and interactions
High levels of copper can lead to side effects. Symptoms can include:
Long-term high copper levels can lead to liver disease (cirrhosis). Wilson disease,
a rare genetic issue, causes copper to build up quickly in your body. It builds up
in your liver, blood, brain, and other organs. This causes cirrhosis and brain damage.
You’ll need to take chelating (detoxifying) agents to get rid of the excess copper.
Keep all copper compounds away from children. The inorganic salts of copper, such
as copper sulfate, are very poisonous.
Copper can interact with medicines. Estrogens and thiazide diuretics may increase
copper levels in your body. Antacids may lower copper levels.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their healthcare providers
before taking any supplements.
Zinc and iron can interfere with the absorption of copper. High levels of vitamin
C may lower copper levels.