Copper

Copper is a metal that your body needs in small amounts. Even though you need very little, copper is an essential nutrient that helps make hemoglobin, the main component of red blood cells. It also produces energy and forms collagen, a key part of bones and connective tissue. Copper helps your nervous system operate properly, and helps protect nerve fibers.

We do not know all the ways copper helps people. Research has shown that copper may make your immune system stronger, may help relieve the symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, and may even help lessen allergy symptoms.

Some people with arthritis wear copper bracelets to help reduce pain. Research has shown that these and other copper medications may provide relief of arthritis pain. If you have arthritis, talk with your health care provider about whether copper may be helpful to you.

Copper is available in many foods. Although you need very little copper, most people in the United States probably do not get as much copper as they should from their diet. However, very few people get so little copper that it causes health problems, so supplementation is probably unnecessary. You can improve your copper balance by including foods that contain copper, such as shellfish and nuts.

Uses

You should talk with your provider before taking copper supplements. Copper may be helpful if you have the following conditions: arthritis, anemia, chemical hypersensitivity, high cholesterol, aneurysms, fatigue, allergies, and stomach ulcers

Pregnant women need more copper. As always, if you are pregnant, talk with your health care provider before taking any supplements.

Dietary Sources

Copper is found in many varied food sources. The best sources include the following.

• Seafood (especially raw oysters; also squid, whelk, lobster, mussels, crab, and other shellfish)
• Organ meats (beef liver, kidneys, heart)
• Nuts (for example, cashews, filberts, macadamia nuts, pecans, almonds, pistachios)
• Legumes (especially lentils, navy beans, and peanuts)
• Chocolate (unsweetened or semisweet baker's chocolate, cocoa)
• Cereals (for example, bran flakes, shredded wheat, raisin bran)
• Fruits and vegetables (for example, dried fruits, mushrooms, tomatoes, potatoes, bananas, grapes, avocado)
• Blackstrap molasses
• Black pepper
• An additional source is from water that flows through copper pipes.

Other Forms

Copper supplements are available, often combined with sulfate, picolinate, gluconate, and amino acids.

How to Take It

Daily dietary copper intake recommended by the National Research Council of the United States: 1.5 to 3.0 mg per day for adults. For children 2 to 11 years, 1.5 to 2.5 mg. Not recommended for children under 2.

The best way to get enough copper is to add foods to your diet that contain copper.

If you take copper supplements, you should also take zinc. You should take 8 to 15 mg of zinc for every 1 mg of copper you take.

Precautions

You don't need a lot of copper. You should consult your health care provider before taking copper supplements. Too much copper can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, dizziness, weakness, and diarrhea. Dangerous levels of copper (copper poisoning) are extremely rare. However, severe cases can lead to heart problems, jaundice, coma, and even death.

You should avoid eating acidic foods that are stored in copper containers.

Keep copper supplements away from children.

Possible Interactions

Birth control medications can raise copper levels.

Penicillamine, a medication used for the treatment of Wilson's disease and rheumatoid arthritis, can render copper inactive. If you take penicillamine and are considering copper supplementation, talk with your health care provider first.

Supporting Research

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