Copper

Copper bracelets used to be a popular folk remedy for arthritis. This practice was deemed a fad and superstition but there may have been some validity to the treatment. Copper absorbed through the skin gets into the circulatory system very efficiently. The "patients" were getting an average of 13 milligrams of copper a month through the skin, or roughly the recommended daily intake of copper.¹ Studies conducted in Australia have provided evidence that copper bracelets can reduce inflammation due to arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis patients might be marginally deficient in copper and in one study, responded favorably to moderate dose supplementation. But the jury remains out on this because a study of children with juvenile chronic arthritis found that these children had higher than normal serum copper levels.²

Copper is an essential trace mineral that appears in high concentrations in brain and liver tissues. It is involved in a variety of enzyme reactions and is especially important to the function of lysyl oxidase and superoxide dismutase. Lysyl oxidase is responsible for the crosslinking of collagen and elastin. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is the antioxidant in charge of breaking down the superoxide free radical.

Deficiencies can cause a variety of maladies. Since copper is necessary for the proper absorption and use of iron, deficiencies are common in iron-deficiency anemia. Deficiencies are likely to lead to ruptured blood vessels, osteoporosis, and bone and joint problems. Other problems associated with copper deficiency include brain impairment, increased lipid peroxidation, increased LDL and decreased HDL cholesterol, and hindered immune function.

Copper supplements have been considered as a preventive measure against heart disease. A 1987 report links copper deficiency to an increased risk of atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysm, and increased cholesterol. ³ One animal study found that copper deficiency might impair immunity and increase the risk for and prolong the duration of infections, but further research is needed to confirm those results.⁴ Possible deficiency may develop in those consuming vegetarian diets high in cereals, legumes, and vegetables containing numerous substances that alter absorption of trace minerals, including copper.

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

Available as:

• Tablets: 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.
• Available as Copper sulfate, picolinate, gluconate, and amino acids.¹

PROVEN BENEFITS:

• 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.

What this mineral does:

• Copper is an essential component of a number of proteins and enzymes, including lysyl, hydroxylase, dopamine beta-hydroxylase.¹

SPECULATED UNPROVED BENEFITS:

• Treats anemia.
• Protects against cancer.
• Protects against cardiovascular disease.
• Reduces inflammation.
• Helps arthritis.¹

• 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.

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.
• Copper intake should be based on zinc intake. A zinc to copper ratio of 10:1 is advised.¹

• Anemia
• Low white blood cell count associated with reduced resistance to infection
• Faulty collagen formation
• Bone demineralization
• Increased LDL cholesterol and decreased HDL cholesterol
• Brain impairment¹

UNPROVED SPECULATED SYMPTOMS

• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Baldness
• Anemia¹

LAB TESTS TO DETECT DEFICIENCY :

• Plasma copper levels
• Urine copper levels in 24-hour collection
• Red blood cell level, ceruloplasm¹

Optimal Levels

• 2-3 mg.

Minimum Dosage

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA):

No RDA has been established. Estimated safe intake given below. Copper is an emetic. A dose of 10 mg will cause nausea. A dose of 60 mg will cause vomiting.

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.¹

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): Call emergency services, the telephone operator or your nearest Poison Control Center.¹

ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS

• None expected¹

INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES