Copper: Scientific and Traditional Uses

by MedlinePlus

Copper is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods, including vegetables, legumes, nuts, grains and fruits, as well as shellfish, avocado, and beef (organs such as liver). Because copper is found in the earth's crust, most of the world's surface water and ground water used for drinking purposes contains small amounts of copper. Water obtained from copper pipes contains copper.

Copper is involved in numerous biochemical reactions in human cells. Copper is a component of multiple enzymes, is involved with the regulation of gene expression, mitochondrial function/cellular metabolism, connective tissue formation, as well as the absorption, storage, and metabolism of iron. Copper levels are tightly regulated in the body. Most copper is excreted in bile with minimal reabsorption in the gastrointestinal tract (and minimal urinary excretion).

The U.S. RDA (recommended daily allowance)for copper is 900mcg for adults; 1000mcg for pregnant women; 1300mcg for nursing women; 890mcg for adolescents 14-18 years old; 700mcg for children 9-13 years old; 440mcg for children 4-8 years old; 340mcg for children 1-3 years old; 220mcg for infants 7-12 months old; and 200mcg for infants 0-6 months old. Surveys suggest that most Americans consume less than the RDA for copper each day. Up to 3000-5000 mcg daily appears to be safe for consumption in children older than three years, and up to 10,000mcg in adults. The average level of copper stored in the body is between 50-120mg (50,000-120,000mcg), and most is contained in the liver.

Copper toxicityis rare in the general population. Excess copper consumption may lead to liver, kidney, or neurologic damage. Excess dosing may lead to symptoms including weakness, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, with more serious signs of acute toxicity including liver damage, kidney failure, pleural damage, coma, and death (which can occur with ingestion of doses in the range of 1 gram of copper sulfate). Other medical problems associated with copper toxicity may include anxiety, depression, fatigue, learning disabilities, memory lapses, diminished concentration, insomnia, seizure, delirium, stuttering, hyperactivity, arthralgias, myalgias, hypertension, gingivitis, dermatitis, discoloration of skin/hair, preeclampsia, postpartum psychosis, or weight gain.

Wilson's diseaseis a genetic disorder in which the body cannot rid itself of copper, resulting in deposition in organs and serious consequences such as liver failure and neurologic damage. Obstruction of bile flow, contamination of dialysis solution (in patients receiving hemodialysis for kidney failure), Indian childhood cirrhosis, or idiopathic copper toxicosis are other rare causes of potentially dangerous excess copper levels. Such individuals should be followed closely by a physician and nutritionist.

Copper deficiencycan occur in infants fed only cow-milk formulas (which are relatively low in copper content), premature/low-birth weight infants, infants with prolonged diarrhea or malnutrition, individuals with malabsorption syndromes (including celiac disease, sprue, or short bowel syndrome), cystic fibrosis, in the elderly, or those receiving intravenous total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or other restrictive diets. Such individuals may require supplementation with copper and other trace elements. Copper deficiency can cause sideroblastic anemia, hypercholesterolemia, or deficiencies of copper-dependent coagulation factors such factor V, factor VIII, and fibrinogen. In theory, growth inhibition may occur.

Medicinal useof copper compounds dates to Hippocrates in 400 B.C. Bacterial growth is inhibited on copper's surface, and hospitals historically installed copper-alloy doorknobs and push-panels as a measure to prevent transmission of infectious disease.

Synonyms

Copper supplements are available as copper acetate, copper amino acid chelates, copper gluconate, copper sebecate, copper sulfate, cuivre, cupric oxide, cupric sulfate, elemental copper, inorganic copper, and organic copper.

Brand examples: Availa-Cu and Cupri-Pak.

Combination product examples: Centrum Forte [iron (10mg), magnesium (100mg), zinc (15mg), calcium (162mg), copper (2mg), manganese (5mg)], Pediatric Renal Seravit [vitamins, A, E, D, C and B complex with trace minerals], PerMamma [zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodine], Renal-specific Micronutrient [vitamins C, E, K and B complex, copper, zinc], Victory [soluble copper, peroxide compound, and a cationic agent].

Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Uses based on scientific evidence

Copper deficiency

Copper deficiency may occur in infants fed only cow-milk formulas (which are relatively low in copper content), premature/low-birth weight infants, infants with prolonged diarrhea or malnutrition, individuals with malabsorption syndromes (including celiac disease, sprue, or short bowel syndrome), cystic fibrosis, in the elderly, or those receiving intravenous total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or other restrictive diets. Such individuals may require supplementation with copper (and other trace elements). Copper deficiency can cause sideroblastic anemia, hypercholesterolemia, growth abnormalities, bone maldevelopment, or deficiencies of copper-dependent coagulation factors such factor V, factor VIII, and fibrinogen. Cases of known/suspected copper deficiency should be evaluated and managed by a physician and nutritionist.

Age-related macular degeneration

There is not enough scientific evidence available to determine if copper plays a role in this disorder.

Alzheimer's disease prevention

Conflicting study results report that copper intake may either increase or decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Additional research is needed before a recommendation can be made.

Arthritis

The use of copper bracelets in the treatment of arthritis has a long history of traditional use, with many anecdotal reports of effectiveness. There are research reports suggesting that copper salicylate may reduce arthritis symptoms more effectively than either copper or aspirin alone.Injections of superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme containing copper (or manganese and zinc) that is found within the cells, has been used to treat arthritis patients in a Danish study. Relief from joint swelling, pain, and morning stiffness was reported. SOD is available in tablets in the United States but it may not be stable when taken by mouth. It remains unclear if this is an effective therapy. Further study is needed before a recommendation can be made.

Cancer

Preliminary research reports that lowering copper levels theoretically may arrest the progression of cancer by inhibiting blood vessel growth (angiogenesis). Copper intake has not been identified as a risk factor for the development or progression of cancer.

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