Learn through this topic about Copper (Cu)
But remember a healthy, balanced diet naturally provides the body’s needs for copper.
What is Copper?
Copper is an essential mineral naturally found in some foods and available as a dietary supplement. The body needs copper for normal growth and good health. It acts as a cofactor for many enzymes involved in energy production and plays an important role in several organs and body systems, helps in the formation of red blood cells and collagen, protects cells from damage, aids in iron absorption, and helps convert sugar into energy.
Although the body requires only a small amount of copper, low levels can negatively affect health. The need for copper may also increase with age.
What are the sources of Copper?
Many foods contain copper, including:
• Seafood: lobster, squid, mussels, oysters.
• Meats: beef liver, kidneys, or heart.
• Nuts: cashews, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, macadamia nuts, peanuts.
• Legumes: lentils, soybeans, navy beans.
• Chocolate or cocoa: unsweetened or semi-sweet.
• Fortified grains.
• Fruits and vegetables.
• Black pepper.
What is the limit of copper use?
The following table shows the maximum daily intake of copper that can be consumed without causing harmful side effects:
| Age | Males | Females | Pregnancy | Lactation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–3 years | 1,000 mcg | 1,000 mcg | ||
| 4–8 years | 3,000 mcg | 3,000 mcg | ||
| 9–13 years | 5,000 mcg | 5,000 mcg | ||
| 14–18 years | 8,000 mcg | 8,000 mcg | 8,000 mcg | 8,000 mcg |
| 19+ years | 10,000 mcg | 10,000 mcg | 10,000 mcg | 10,000 mcg |
For infants, breast milk, formula, and food should be the only sources of copper.
What are the symptoms of copper deficiency?
Getting enough copper from the diet alone is usually sufficient, and severe copper deficiency is rare. However, signs of deficiency may include:
• Anemia.
• Low body temperature.
• Bone fractures.
• Low white blood cell count.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Pale skin.
• Thyroid problems.
What are the effects of excessive copper intake?
Chronic exposure to high levels of copper can cause liver damage and gastrointestinal symptoms such as: Abdominal pain, Cramping, Nausea, Diarrhea and vomiting.
Copper toxicity is rare in healthy individuals without a genetic disorder affecting copper regulation.
How to prevent copper imbalance
Because foods provide a wide range of nutrients and beneficial compounds, nutritional needs should primarily be met through foods.
In some cases, dietary supplements may be helpful—such as when one or more nutrients cannot be obtained adequately from food during certain life stages (for example, during pregnancy).
A healthy eating pattern includes:
• A variety of vegetables and fruits.
• Whole grains.
• Fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese.
• Healthy oils.
• A variety of protein foods such as lean meats, poultry, eggs, seafood, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, and soy products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes copper buildup in the body?
Excess copper in the body is rare but possible. It may occur from taking dietary supplements despite having sufficient copper levels, or when copper leaches into food from certain types of cookware.
Other causes include pregnancy, oral contraceptives, infections, inflammation, and stress, which may raise copper levels in the blood.
It may also result from certain diseases such as Wilson’s disease, which causes copper accumulation in the brain, eyes, liver, and kidneys. Individuals with this condition—or with hereditary disorders such as idiopathic copper toxicity or childhood cirrhosis—should avoid copper supplements.
Who is at greater risk of copper deficiency?
Certain conditions may increase the need for copper, including:
• Burns.
• Diarrhea.
• Intestinal diseases.
• Kidney disease.
• Pancreatic disorders.
• Gastrectomy (stomach removal surgery).
• Chronic stress.
Do copper supplements interact with birth control pills?
Yes. Birth control pills can interact with copper, leading to elevated copper levels in the blood. However, this is generally not a major concern for most people.
What are the medical uses of copper?
Taking copper orally or intravenously is effective in treating copper deficiency, osteoporosis, and anemia caused by copper deficiency.
However, intravenous products should only be administered by a healthcare provider.
Is copper effective in treating Alzheimer’s disease?
No. Copper is likely ineffective in treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Studies show that taking copper orally for 12 months does not improve Alzheimer’s symptoms.
