Copper : Dosing

by MedlinePlus

(Page 3 of 4)

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Standardization:

A variety of indicators were used to establish the U.S. recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for copper, including plasma copper concentration, serum ceruloplasmin activity, superoxide dismutase activity in red blood cells, and platelet copper concentration. The RDA for copper reflects the results of depletion-repletion studies and is based on the prevention of deficiency.

Adults (18 years and older):

U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for adults: 900mcg for adults; 1000mcg for pregnant women; 1300mcg for nursing women; 890mcg for adolescents 14-18 years old. Surveys suggest that most Americans consume less than the RDA for copper each day. Up to 3000-5000mcg daily appears to be safe for consumption in children, and up to 10,000mcg in adults. Vegan diets appear to provide adequate amounts of copper.

Oral: In a number of clinical trials copper doses of 2-10mg were safely used in patients. 10mg Cu/day (upper limit of daily intake) was administered to 82 apparently healthy women and men for two months in one study.

Topical: The appropriate application of ointment preparations containing copper in concentrations up to 20% do not present a toxic risk per one study.

Copper deficiency: Copper deficiency may occur in 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). Cases of known/suspected copper deficiency should be evaluated and managed by a physician and nutritionist.

Sources of copper: Copper 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.

Children (younger than 18 years):

U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for children: 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.

Copper deficiency: Copper deficiency may occur in infants fed only cow-milk formulas (which are relatively low in copper content) or synthetic low lactose diets, premature/low-birth weight infants, infants with prolonged diarrhea or malnutrition, malabsorption syndromes (including celiac disease, sprue, or short bowel syndrome), cystic fibrosis, or during intravenous total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or other restrictive diets. Such situations may merit copper supplementation (and other trace elements), which should be under the supervision of a healthcare professional. In the United States, copper is not available in infant supplements.

Marasmus: management of marasmus should be under the supervision of a healthcare professional. 20-80mcg/kg/day of copper sulfate supplementation has been reported as safe. No adverse effects on copper serum concentrations or ceruloplasmin were found in a controlled trial of 105 infants receiving parenteral nutrition with copper supplementation.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

Insufficient evidence.

About the Author

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