Copper

Functions

Copper’s functions include:

• Assisting in energy production
• Protecting cells from free radical damage
• Helping lysyl oxidase, an enzyme that strengthens connective tissue
• Assisting the brain neurotransmitters, norepinephrine, and dopamine
• Helping your body make hemoglobin, which is needed to carry oxygen to red blood cells
• Keeping the immune system, bones, blood vessels, and nerves healthy

Recommended Intake

*Adequate intakes

Copper Deficiency

Many studies show that Americans consume less than adequate amounts of dietary copper. However, copper deficiency in adults is rare. A deficiency may occur, though, due to certain genetic problems, long-term shortages of dietary copper, or excessive intakes of zinc, iron, or antacids. In addition, the following conditions may increase your need for copper:

• ]]>Burns]]>
• ]]>Diarrhea]]>
• Intestinal disease
• ]]>Kidney disease]]>
• Disease of the pancreas
• Stomach removal
• Long-term stress

Symptoms of copper deficiency include ]]>anemia]]> , ]]>bone loss]]> , a decrease in certain white blood cells, loss of hair color, and pale skin. A lifetime of marginal dietary copper could possibly lead to heart disease. ]]>Premature]]> infants and infants suffering from malnutrition may have deficiencies of copper.

If you are unable to meet your copper needs through dietary sources, copper supplements may be necessary. Copper supplements are usually taken by mouth, but in some cases are given by injection. Your doctor should determine if you need such supplementation.

Copper Toxicity

Cases of toxicity from copper are rare.

Excess copper intake may lead to liver damage. Doses of 10 mg/day may lead to weakness and nausea. Symptoms of copper toxicity may include:

• Black or bloody vomit
• Blood in urine
• ]]>Coma]]>
• ]]>Diarrhea]]>
• Dizziness or fainting
• ]]>Headache]]> (severe or continuing)
• ]]>Heartburn]]>
• Loss of appetite
• Lower back pain
• Metallic taste
• Nausea (severe or continuing)
• Pain or burning while urinating
• Vomiting
• Yellow eyes or skin

Major Food Sources

Foods high in copper include organ meats (liver, heart, kidney, brain), seafood, nuts, seeds, wheat bran, cereals, whole grain products, and cocoa products. Although these foods are rich in copper, the amount of copper you absorb may be influenced by other dietary components. For example, excessive dietary intakes of ]]>iron]]> or ]]>zinc]]> may decrease copper absorption. ]]>Vitamin C]]> supplementation has also been found to decrease copper absorption.

Health Implications

If you have a medical condition that impairs your body’s ability to absorb, use, and excrete copper, your doctor may recommend reducing your dietary intake of copper. Such conditions may include:

• ]]>Wilson’s disease]]> —a genetic disease in which the body cannot excrete copper
• ]]>Hemodialysis]]> for ]]>kidney failure]]> with a dialysis solution contaminated with excess copper
• Liver disease

If you are taking copper supplements, it is important that you let your doctor know if you have the conditions listed above, or if you are taking any of the following:

• ]]>Penicillamine]]>
• ]]>Trientine]]>
• Zinc supplements (taken by mouth)
• Copper intrauterine device (IUD)

Another genetic disease, ]]>Menkes syndrome]]> , prevents copper absorption in the intestine and produces symptoms of copper deficiency.

Tips for Lowering Copper Intake

If your doctor recommends that you lower your dietary intake of copper, you should reduce your intake of the following foods:

• Lamb and pork
• Quail, duck, and goose
• Squid, salmon
• Shellfish, such as:
  • Oysters
  • Scallops
  • Shrimp
  • Lobster
  • Clams
  • Crab
• Organ meats: liver, heart, kidney, brain
• Soy protein products, including tofu
• All nuts and seeds
• Dried beans, such as:
  • Soybeans
  • Lima beans
  • Baked beans
  • Garbanzo beans
  • Pinto beans
  • Peas
  • Lentils