Copper

Description
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 aids in balancing a high zinc intake.

Theory
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).

Scientific Support
High levels of supplemental zinc intake over extended periods of time may result in decreased copper absorption in the intestines or copper deficiency, possibly due to increased synthesis of the intestinal cell protein metallothionein, which binds some metals. This may be the mechanism by which zinc induces sideroblastic anemia. However, certain animal research suggests that high dietary zinc may not interfere with tissue or plasma concentrations of copper (96). Ahistologic study of the liver revealed that copper concentration in patients with Wilson's disease was reduced by treatment, suggesting that oral zinc was able not only to prevent further accumulation of copper but also to promote, at least in part, the depletion of its stores.

Safety
Copper toxicity is rare in the general population. Excess copper consumption may lead to liver, kidney, or neurological 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.

Value
There is a broad range of uses of copper for treating certain illnesses and diseases. Age-related macular degeneration, Alzheimer ’s, arthritis, and atherosclerosis are some of the ailments which copper can provide a benefit.

Dosage
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.