Copper

Copper is a mineral. It is found in many foods, particularly in organ meats, seafood, nuts, seeds, wheat bran cereals, grain products, and cocoa products. The body stores copper mostly in the bones and muscles. The liver regulates the amount of copper that is in the blood. Copper is used as medicine.

Copper is used for treating copper deficiency and the anemia it may cause. Having too little copper (copper deficiency) is rare. It sometimes occurs in people who get too much zinc from diet or supplements, have intestinal bypass surgery, or are fed by feeding tubes. Malnourished infants can also have copper deficiency.

Copper is also used for improving wound healing, Alzheimer's disease, and treating arthritis and brittle bones (osteoporosis). It is used for some types of diarrhea, lupus and acne.

There is no evidence that people who eat a normal diet need copper supplements. Not even athletes need extra copper if they have a good diet.

How does it work?

Copper is necessary for producing and storing iron. Copper is also involved in many of natural processes in the body.

Copper deficiency.
Acne.
Dental plaque.
Osteoporosis.
Arthritis.
Wound healing.

By Mouth:

For low levels of copper (copper deficiency): doses up to 0.1 mg/kg of cupric sulfate per day.

For osteoporosis: 2.5 mg copper combined with zinc 15 mg, 5 mg manganese, and 1000 mg calcium per day.

The National Institute of Medicine has determined Adequate Intake (AI) of copper for infants: 0 to 6 months, 200 mcg (30 mcg/kg/day); 7 to 12 months, 220 mcg (24 mcg/kg/day). Infants should get all their copper from food or formula, unless a healthcare provider recommends supplements and provides follow-up care and monitoring.

For children, a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of copper has been set: 1 to 3 years, 340 mcg/day; 4 to 8 years, 440 mcg/day; 9 to 13, 700 mcg/day; 14 to 18 years, 890 mcg/day.

For men and women age 19 years and older, the RDA of copper is 900 mcg/day.

For pregnancy, the RDA is 1000 mcg/day, and breast feeding 1300 mcg/day for women of all ages.

The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), the maximum amount for which no harmful effect is expected, has been established for children and adults.

The ULs for copper are: children 1 to 3 years, 1 mg/day; 4 to 8 years, 3 mg/day; 9 to 13 years, 5 mg/day; 14 to 18 years (including pregnancy and lactation) 8 mg/day; adults age 19 and older (including breast feeding), 10 mg/day; pregnancy age 19 and older, 8 mg/day.

Copper is SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts no greater than 10 mg daily.

Copper is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large amounts. Adults should consume no more than 10 mg of copper per day.

Kidney failure and death can occur with as little as 1 gram of copper sulfate. Symptoms of copper overdose include nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, fever, stomach pain, low blood pressure, anemia, and heart problems.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Copper is SAFE when taken by mouth appropriately. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should consume no more than 8 mg daily if they are 14 to 18 years old, and no more than 10 mg daily if they are 19 or older. Taking copper by mouth in higher doses is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Higher amounts can be dangerous.

Children: Copper is SAFE when taken by mouth appropriately. Children should not get more than the Tolerable Upper Limit (UL) of copper. The UL is 1 mg daily for children 1 to 3 years, 3 mg daily for children 4 to 8 years, 5 mg daily for children 9 to 13 years, and 8 mg daily for adolescents. Taking copper by mouth in higher doses is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Higher intake can cause liver damage and other harm.

Hemodialysis: People receiving hemodialysis for kidney disease seem to be at risk for copper deficiency. You might need copper supplements if you are undergoing hemodialysis. Check with your healthcare provider.

Certain hereditary conditions, including idiopathic copper toxicosis and childhood cirrhosis: Taking extra copper might make these conditions worse.

Wilson's disease: Taking copper supplements can make this condition worse and might interfere with treatment.