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Copper
Description: Copper is a trace mineral which is needed by the body in order to absorb and use Iron. Its presence is also necessary for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is used by the body for energy.
Copper deficiency is rare, and supplementation should only be undertaken at a physician’s advice, as high copper levels can be toxic. The most common cause of copper deficiency is the use of Zinc supplements, since Zinc interferes with copper absorption.1,2 Vitamin C supplementation also inhibits copper metabolism.3
Copper deficiency, when present, can cause such problems as anemia and high cholesterol. Elevated copper levels are also dangerous and can be toxic. In one study, assaultive juvenile males were found to have elevated copper levels.4
Copper, taken in a dose of 3 mg daily, may be helpful in the prevention of bone loss from osteoporosis.5
Copper, which acts as an anti-inflammatory, is often deficient in people with rheumatoid arthritis.6,7 When taken with prescription or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, it appears to heighten their effectiveness.8 Wearing copper bracelets also appears to help ease pain in wrist and hand joints.9
Copper may also be useful in the treatment of hypoglycemia.10

Natural Sources: Almonds, Avocado, Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Garlic, Green Leafy Vegetables, Lentils, Liver, Lobster, Oysters, Soybeans.

Useful in treatment of: hypoglycemia, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis.

Recommended Dosage: Variable.

Contraindications: People with Wilson’s Disease should never take copper supplements.

References:

1Sandstead HH. Requirements and toxicity of essential trace elements, illustrated by zinc and copper. Am J Clin Nutr 1995;61(suppl):62S–64S.
2Broun ER. Greist A, Tricot G, Hoffman R. Excessive zinc ingestion. A reversible cause of sideroblastic anemia and bone marrow depression. JAMA 1990;264:1441–43.
3Jacob RA, Skala JH, Omaye ST, Turnlund JR. Effect of varying ascorbic acid intakes on copper absorption and ceruloplasmin levels of young men. J Nutr 1987;117:2109–15.
4Elevated blood copper/zinc ratios in assaultive young males. Physiol Behav, 49(1):327-9 1997 Aug
5Eaton-Evans J, McIlrath EM, Jackson WE, et al. Copper supplementation and bone-mineral density in middle-aged women. Proc Nutr Soc 1995;54:191A.
6DiSilvestro RA, Marten J, Skehan M. Effects of copper supplementation on ceruloplasmin and copper_zinc superoxide dismutase in free_living rheumatoid arthritis patients. J Am Coll Nutr 1992;11:177_80.
7Nutrient intake of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is deficient in pyridoxine, zinc, copper, and magnesium. J Rheumatol, 23(6):990-4 1996 Jun
8Medical News. Copper boosts activity of anti-inflammatory drugs. JAMA 1974;229:1268–9
9Walker WR, Keats DM. An investigation of the therapeutic value of the ‘copper bracelet’—dermal assimilation of copper in arthritic/rheumatoid conditions. Agents Actions 1976;6:454–9.
10Gaby AR, Wright JV. Nutritional regulation of blood glucose. J Advancement Med 1991;4(1):57–71.
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