Copper is a mineral found in trace amounts in all tissues in the body. Although only a small amount is needed, copper is an essential nutrient that plays a role in the production of hemoglobin (the main iron component of red blood cells), myelin (the substance that surrounds nerve fibers), collagen (a key component of bones and connective tissue), and melanin (a dark pigment that colors the hair and skin). Copper also works with vitamin C to help make a component of connective tissue known as elastin.
Copper can act as both an antioxidant and a pro-oxidant. As an antioxidant, it scavenges damaging particles in the body known as free radicals. Free radicals occur naturally in the body and can damage cell walls, interact with genetic material, and possibly contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health conditions. Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.
When copper acts as a pro-oxidant at times, it promotes free radical damage and may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease and, possibly, cervical dysplasia (precancerous lesions of the cervix which forms the opening to the uterus). Maintaining the proper dietary balance of copper (along with other minerals such as zinc and manganese) is important. Your doctor or dietitian can help you do this.
Signs of possible copper deficiency include anemia, low body temperature, bone fractures and osteoporosis, low white blood cell count (the cells that help fight infection), irregular heartbeat, loss of pigment from the skin, and thyroid disorders. Infants who do not have enough of this mineral tend to have poor feeding habits and lack proper growth.
Foods that contain copper include oysters, organ meats, whole grain breads and cereals, shellfish, dark green leafy vegetables, dried legumes, nuts, and chocolate.
Anemia
Copper supplementation may be beneficial for individuals with anemia (a condition characterized by low hemoglobin levels) because this mineral works together with iron to form hemoglobin.
Arthritis
Animal studies suggest that oral copper supplements reduce the development and progression of arthritis. Many people with arthritis (both rheumatoid and osteo) apply copper solutions to their skin or wear copper bracelets in hopes of relieving pain and inflammation associated with this joint condition. Reports of success with these methods, however, are mixed, but one clinical study from the 1970s did show that the copper bracelets worked better than placebo bracelets. Sweat can interfere with how well the topical copper solutions and bracelets work.
Burns
When skin is burned, a substantial percentage of micronutrients, such as copper, selenium, and zinc may be lost. This increases the risk for infection, slows the healing process, prolongs the hospital stay, and even increases the risk of death. However, people with major burns tend to lose copper more rapidly than other mineral. Although it is unclear which micronutrients are most beneficial for people with burns, many clinical studies suggest that a multivitamin including copper and other minerals may aid in the recovery process.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
People with the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease cannot absorb essential vitamins and minerals, such as copper, as well as healthy individuals. When treating IBD, clinicians often recommend a multivitamin containing essential minerals.
In addition, inflammatory bowel disease may be related to oxidation or damage caused by free radicals. In fact, copper levels may be low in the inflamed tissue of those with IBD, particularly Crohn's disease.
Finally, a laboratory animal study found deficient rats in copper tend to have elevated blood sugar levels over time, indicating a possible connection between low copper and diabetes. A clinical study including people with diabetes, however, found very different results. Copper levels were higher in people with diabetes compared to those without. In fact, the higher the copper level, the more likely the person was to have complications from the diabetes, including retinopathy (damage to the retina of the eye), high blood pressure, or vascular disease.
Others
In one clinical study that followed over 1,600 patients with lung cancer found that dietary zinc and copper intakes are associated with reduced risk of lung cancer. The protective effects of dietary copper were seen in all ages, weight, and smoking.
Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, dietary supplements should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.
Excessive copper intake can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, weakness, diarrhea, and a metallic taste in the mouth. Copper toxicity is rare but can cause heart problems, jaundice, coma, and even death. Do not use copper supplements if diarrhea is present. Water containing copper concentrations greater than 6 mg/L is associated with gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea and vomiting). If you have well water, it may be important to get the water tested for mineral content.
Copper toxicity may occur from using copper cookware and from water supplied by copper pipes on a regular basis. Copper can leach out of pipes into water, especially hot water, if it sits in copper pipes for an extended period of time. It is best to always cook with cold water. Flushing the system by running cold water for 2 - 3 minutes is an effective way to reduce copper. Also, it is best to avoid unlined copper cookware since copper can leach into acidic foods, such as vinegar, tomato, or citrus. If you have blue-green stains around your faucet or sink, or if you detect a metallic taste to your water, you may want to have your water tested by a certified laboratory.
Children and individuals with Wilson's disease, a hereditary syndrome that results in an accumulation of copper in the brain, liver, kidneys, and eyes, should not take copper supplements. Because high intakes of zinc and iron can impair absorption of copper, zinc has been used to decrease copper in people suffering from of Wilson's disease.
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