Copper

What is Copper?

Copper was initially mined on Cyprus and was known as metal of Cyprus (aes cyprium) which was later known as cuprum in Latin and then as ‘coper’ in Old English until being known simply as Copper. The discovery of the pure metal copper dates back to approximately 6000 years ago.

Copper is a trace mineral and is needed by the body in small amounts which can be found within the body in the muscles and the liver. Some of the functions of copper includes the production of melanin, bone, red blood cells, haemoglobin, connective tissue and serving many other functions within the body. It is also important for iron absorption, brain development, muscle contractions, maintaining cholesterol and energy production.

Copper is removed from the body through bowel movements and urine.

Health benefits of Copper

Helps fight inflammation

Copper has anti-inflammatory properties which can have many benefits by helping to reduce inflammation and reduce symptoms associated with inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.

Some anecdotal reports of wearing copper bracelets can help people with rheumatoid arthritis which may be due to the transdermal delivery of copper. Those who use copper bracelets report reduced intensity of symptoms. Some studies have revealed a deficiency of copper in erythrocytes (a red blood cell) despite having high levels in blood serum and hair which may be due to improper metabolism of copper [1]

Boosts Immune System

Copper is needed by the body to serve several functions for the immune system. Copper is needed to produce white blood cells in order to fight off infections. Low levels of white blood cells a main cause of neutropenia is associated with a number of autoimmune diseases. [2] [3]

Cardiovascular Health

Copper plays an important role in cardiovascular health and regulating blood pressure. However having too much copper or too little copper has been linked to a build-up of plaques in the arteries (atherosclerosis).[4] [5]

One study has shown copper deficiency may contribute to cardiovascular disease as the mineral seems to play a role in lowering homocysteine levels in addition to other nutrients which includes vitamin B9 (Folate) and vitamin B12.

Needed for bone health

Copper like other trace minerals plays an important part in maintaining bone health.  It is involved in the production of elastin and collagen which are important for the joints, connective tissues and bone health. [6]

Helps produce melanin

Copper is involved in the melanin production, a dark pigment which affects the color of hair, skin and eyes. A deficiency of copper can cause pale skin and gray hair.

Supports thyroid health

Copper is required by the thyroid to function properly in addition to adequate amounts of other nutrients such as zinc and selenium. Deficient or toxic levels of copper can impair thyroid function leading to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. A balance of all nutrients that are required for healthy function of the thyroid is essential as excessively low or high levels can contribute to disorders of the thyroid. [7]

Copper can help balance hormones

Women’s requirement for copper may be higher than men’s requirement for copper especially during child bearing years which is more likely due to the fact that copper helps with iron absorption an important combination of minerals that should be adequate during the menstrual phase. In addition to this, copper is required in creating enzymes that support the conversion of progesterone into estrogen. However a balance of the mineral copper is required in women as excessive amounts can contribute to estrogen dominance.

Men tend to require more zinc than copper in comparison to women. This is more due to the fact that zinc is involved in the production of enzymes which help convert progesterone into testosterone.

In either case an adequate balance of copper to zinc ratio is required for balanced hormone levels in both men and women.

Reduces cholesterol levels

Copper has cholesterol lowering effects on the body with various studies showing it to reduce cholesterol levels. A deficiency of copper has been linked to high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolaemia) Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is essential for heart health.[8] [9]

Helps anemia

Copper assists in the absorption of iron and increases red blood cell count. This can help reduce symptoms of anemia caused by copper deficiency by increasing energy levels. [10]

Needed for cognitive functions

Adequate amounts of copper is needed for the functions of the brain. It is an essential mineral in the growth and development of the brain. Having too little or too much of this mineral can lead to a decline of cognitive functions and has been linked to neurological disorders such as such as Menke’s disease, Wilson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. [11] [12]

Agonist / Synergist

Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, C, D

Minerals: Ca, Co, Fe, Mn, Na, Se, Zn

Other: Amino acids, organic acids like citric, gluconic, lactic, acetic, and malic acids, glutathione, progesterone

Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B10 helps with copper metabolism, a deficiency of these vitamins may reduce copper levels or accumulate toxic copper levels due to impaired copper metabolism.

Vitamin B9 and B12 with adequate copper levels may lower homocysteine levels [13].

Vitamin B7 (Biotin) works synergistically with other B vitamins such as B5, B9 and B12 which helps aid in copper metabolism and beneficial homocysteine lowering effects.

Vitamin C has a role in copper metabolism with scurvy-like symptoms observed in a copper deficiency state. [14]

Iron requires copper for efficient absorption.

Progesterone can help normalize copper levels in the body.

Antagonists

Vitamins: A, B3, B5, B6, C

Minerals: Ca, Fe, K, Zn, P, Mo

Metals: Cd, Hg, Pb

Other: Phytates, antacids

High levels of vitamin C reduces copper absorption most likely because the vitamin helps with iron absorption which is an antagonist for copper uptake. [15] [16]

Vitamin C deficiency can increase serum copper due to improper copper metabolism. [17]

Iron competes with copper for absorption and high levels can lead to a copper deficiency. [18] [19]

Prolonged high intake of zinc can increase the requirement for copper. High intake of zinc inhibits copper.

A high copper to zinc ratio can lead to health problems.

High levels of molybdenum can lead to copper deficiency [20]

High copper intake reduces selenium absorption [21]

Heavy metals cadmium, mercury, lead decreases copper levels. There is also a potential for copper and other minerals such as selenium, zinc, iron and copper to reduce lead toxicity. [22] [23]

Food Sources of Copper

Copper can be found in high amounts in a variety of foods which includes offal (liver, organ meats), seafood, beans, soy products (soy flour, grits and soy milk), lentils, shellfish, oysters, lobsters, avocados, nuts, seeds, mushrooms, blackstrap molasses, whole grains (millet, barley), wheat germ, oats, leafy green vegetables, tea, cocoa.

Copper can also be found in water where water pipes are used, however this type of copper is not the best source and may not be readily absorbed as it is inorganic which can lead to health problems in toxic amounts.

Recommended Dietary Allowance

Age

Copper: Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) in micrograms (μg/d)

CHILDREN

0-6 months

200 mcg

7-12 months

220 mcg

1-3 years

340 mcg

4-8 years

440 mcg

 

 

 

Age

Copper: Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) in micrograms (μg/d)

MALES

9-13 years

700 mcg

 

 

14-18 years

890 mcg

 

 

19-30 years

900 mcg

 

 

31-50 years

900 mcg

 

 

51+ years

900 mcg

 

 

 

 

 

 

FEMALES

 

 

Pregnancy

Lactation

9-13 years

700 mcg

 

 

14-18 years

890 mcg

1,000 mcg

1,300 mcg

19-30 years

900 mcg

1,000 mcg

1,300 mcg

31-50 years

900 mcg

1,000 mcg

1,300 mcg

51+ years

900 mcg

 

 

 

The tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for copper is set at 10,000 μg (10 mg) per day for adults. [24] [25]

Copper Supplementation

Copper is available as tablets, capsules and liquid. As it is needed in trace amounts it can usually be found in multivitamin formulas. Some zinc supplements combine copper to ensure a balance between the two trace minerals.

Deficiency symptoms of Copper

Copper deficiency is uncommon as it is readily available through the diet and only needed in trace amounts.

The following are some of the common deficiency symptoms of copper:

  • Anemia
  • Fatigue
  • Lethargy
  • Weakness
  • Migraines / headaches*
  • Osteoporosis
  • Low white blood cell count (neutropenia)
  • Osteoporosis
  • Sensitivity to cold
  • Dilated veins
  • Heart problems
  • Chronic infections
  • Paleness
  • Birth defects
  • Reduced pigment in hair
  • Reduced pigment in skin
  • Impaired connective tissue
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Myelopathy
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Numbness or tingling of extremities
  • Difficulty walking
  • Optic neuropathy
  • Vision loss
  • Color vision loss

*Although migraines and headaches may not be a common or direct symptom for copper deficiency it is likely to be linked due to requirement of copper for the absorption of iron. [26]

The following are some of the factors that can cause a copper deficiency:

  • Bariatric surgery
  • Excess zinc supplementation
  • Menke’s disease (hereditary condition)
  • Excess iron supplementation
  • Coeliac disease
  • Malnutrition
  • Malabsorption
  • Aging
  • Hyperthyroidism*
  • Hypothyroidism*

*Copper plays an important role in ensuring the proper function of the thyroid gland. A deficiency of copper is also a major cause of thyroid malfunction and has been linked to symptoms of hyperthyroidism which may also be partly due to an imbalance or deficiency of other key nutrients involved in the metabolism of copper although more research needs to be done in this area.

Toxicity symptoms of Copper

Toxic levels of copper may be more common than deficiency of copper due to high exposure to copper.

Symptoms of copper toxicity include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Heart and kidney failure
  • Thyroid malfunction*
  • Liver damage
  • Brain disease (Wilson’s disease)
    • Anemia
    • Low white blood cell count
    • Kayser-Fleischer rings

Causes of copper toxicity includes:

  • High copper intake
  • Copper sulfate from pesticides
  • Vitamin C deficiency
  • Vitamin deficiency for copper metabolism (see agonist / synergist)
  • Wilson’s disease
  • Drinking water from copper pipes
  • Birth control pills / IUD contraception
  • Cooking in copper cookware
  • Pellagra

Toxic copper levels can reduce zinc and iron levels.

Excessive amounts of copper can lead to various mental health conditions such as personality changes, fear, paranoia, hallucinations, depression and irritability all of which are associated with conditions such as Wilson’s disease.

In various studies high amounts of copper have been found in individuals who suffer from schizophrenia, epilepsy, psychosis or bipolar disorder.

Deficiency of vitamin B3 (niacin) can lead to health condition known as Pellagra which has been linked to an excess of copper accumulation. This is likely due to vitamin B3 requirement for copper metabolism.

Some research have shown that toxic levels or an imbalance of zinc to copper ratio may be a factor in violent behaviour in young people. [27]

Bioavailable form of copper (found in food) is easily absorbed by the body whereas inorganic types such as the type from copper pipes and pesticides may cause health problems and toxic accumulation.

Various drugs have been used in reducing toxic levels of copper. Molybdenum also decreases copper levels and may has been used in the treatment of Wilson’s disease.

Precautions and warnings

When taking any medications it is important to discuss with your doctor or other health professional before supplementing with any form of copper as it may interact or inhibit the effects of various drugs.