Copper

Basic Information

Available from natural sources? Yes
Available from synthetic sources? No
Prescription required? No

NATURAL SOURCES

Barley
Brazil nuts
Cashew nuts
Hazelnuts (filberts)
Honey
Lentils
Molasses, black-strap
Mushrooms
Mussels
Oats
Oysters
Peanuts
Salmon
Walnuts
Wheat germ

REASONS TO USE

Promotes normal red-blood-cell formation. Acts as a catalyst in storage and release of iron to form hemoglobin for red blood cells. Assists in production of several enzymes involved in respiration. Promotes connective-tissue formation and central-nervous-system function. Is used as a nutritional supplement for anyone receiving prolonged feedings through veins or tubes into the stomach.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Stimulates hair growth in bald men. Treats anemia. Protects against cancer. Protects against cardiovascular disease. Reduces inflammation. Helps arthritis.

WHO NEEDS ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS?

Anyone with inadequate caloric or dietary intake or increased nutritional requirements. Older people (over 55 years). Pregnant or breast-feeding women. Those who abuse alcohol or other drugs. People with a chronic wasting illness, particularly those with chronic diarrhea, malabsorption disorders, kidney disease. Anyone who experiences excess stress for long periods or who has recently undergone surgery. Those with a portion of the gastrointestinal tract surgically removed. People with recent severe burns or injuries. Malnourished children whose diet consists of milk without supplements. People who receive intravenous nourishment for long periods of time.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

Anemia Low white-blood-cell count associated with reduced resistance to infection Faulty collagen formation Bone demineralization

UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS

Arthritis Cancer Heart disease Baldness Anemia

LAB TESTS TO DETECT DEFICIENCY

Plasma copper levels Urine copper levels in 24-hour collection

DOSAGE AND USAGE INFORMATION

What this mineral does:

• Copper is an essential component of a number of proteins and enzymes, including lysyl, hydroxylase, dopamine beta-hydroxylase.

  Miscellaneous information:
  

• Plasma-copper levels may INCREASE in people with rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy, cirrhosis of the liver, myocardial infarction (heart attack), schizophrenia, tumors, severe infections.
• Processed foods may reduce normal copper absorption.
• Plasma-copper levels DECREASE with hypothyroidism, dysproteinuria of infancy, kwashiorkor, sprue, nephrosis.
• Hair analysis may be used as a measure of copper nutrition. (An unreliable test.)
• Most nutritionists recommend a balanced diet rather than extra supplementation that could upset the body's delicate mineral balance.

  Available as:
  

• Tablets: Swallow whole with full glass of liquid. Don't chew or crush. Take with meals or 1 to 1-1/2 hours after meals unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• A constituent of many multivitamin/mineral preparations.

  WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

  Don't take if you:
  

• Have hepatolenticular degeneration (Wilson's disease).

  Consult your doctor if you:
  

• Are considering taking a copper supplement.

  Over age 55:
  

• No special considerations.

  Pregnancy:
  

• Increased plasma copper levels are noted during pregnancy. Significance of this to human health is unknown at present.
• Don't take megadoses.

  Breast-feeding:
  

• No information available at present.
• Don't take megadoses.

  Effect on lab tests:
  

• Cobalt, iron, nickel and oral contraceptives with estrogens can cause false-positive or elevated copper values.

  Storage:
  

• Store in cool, dry place away from direct light, but don't freeze.
• Store safely out of reach of children.
• Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change action of mineral.

  OVERDOSE/TOXICITY

  Signs and symptoms:
  Nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, abdominal pain, anemia.
  

  What to do:
  

• For symptoms of overdosage: Discontinue mineral, and consult doctor.
• For accidental overdosage (such as child taking entire bottle): Dial 911 (emergency), 0 for operator or your nearest Poison Control Center.

  ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS

  None expected
  

  INTERACTION WITH MEDICINE, VITAMINS OR MINERALS

  Interacts with	Combined effect
  Cadmium	Can interfere with copper
  	absorption and utilization.
  Fiber	Can interfere with copper
  	absorption and utilization.
  Molybdenum	Maintains appropriate ratio
  	of copper to molybdenum in
  	body. If you have excessive
  	amounts of copper, your
  	molybdenum level drops. If you
  	have excessive amounts of
  	molybdenum, your copper level
  	drops.
  Oral contraceptives	Increases copper level.
  Phytates (cereals, vegetables)	Can interfere with copper
  	absorption and utilization.
  Vitamin C	Decreases absorption of
  	copper. Large doses of vitamin
  C must be taken to produce
  	this effect.
  Zinc	Can interfere with copper
  	absorption and utilization.

  INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES

  None known