What does copper do for the body

Penicillamine: Penicillamine, a medication used to treat Wilson disease and rheumatoid arthritis, reduces copper levels. Copper may lower the amount of penicillamine your body absorbs. Allopurinol Zyloprim : Test tube studies suggest that allopurinol, a medication used to treat gout, may reduce copper levels. Cimetidine Tagamet : Animal studies show that cimetidine, a medication used to treat ulcers and gastric esophageal reflux disease GERD , may raise copper levels in the body.

Nifedipine Procardia or Adalat : In a human study, people who took nifedipine had lower levels of copper in their red blood cells. Zinc: Several laboratory and human studies have found that taking high levels of zinc supplements over long periods of time may lower the body's ability to absorb copper.

The same does not seem to be true of eating foods that have copper. Ask your provider if you need zinc and copper supplementation. Understanding copper homeostasis in humans and copper effects on health. Biol Res. Could chronic wounds not heal due to too low copper levels? Med Hypotheses. Bugel, S. Effect of copper supplementation on indices of copper status and certain CVD risk markers in young healthy women.

BrJ Nutr. Christen Y. Oxidative stress and Alzheimer's disease. Am J Clin Nutr. Daroff: Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; Comprehensive nutritional status in recently diagnosed patients with inflammatory bowel disease compared with population controls.

EAur J Clin Nutr. Anemia and neutropenia associated with copper deficiency of unclear etiology. A deficiency can compromise or delay these signals, causing a loss of coordination or unsteadiness while walking. Studies have shown that the T3 and T4 levels of thyroid hormones are closely linked to copper levels.

When blood copper levels are low, these thyroid hormone levels fall. As a result, the thyroid gland may not work as effectively. Given that the thyroid gland helps regulate your metabolism and heat production, low thyroid hormone levels could make you feel colder more easily 26 , Copper helps ensure healthy thyroid hormone levels.

These hormones help regulate your metabolism and body heat. As a result, copper deficiency could make you feel cold. People with lighter skin usually have fewer, smaller and lighter melanin pigments than people with darker skin Interestingly, copper is used by enzymes that produce melanin. Therefore, copper deficiency could affect the production of this pigment, causing pale skin 30 , However, more human-based research investigating the link between pale skin and copper deficiency is needed.

Copper is used by enzymes that make melanin, the pigment that determines skin color. Copper deficiency may cause pale skin. Given that low copper levels can affect melanin formation, copper deficiency may cause premature gray hair 32 , While there is some research on copper deficiency and melanin pigment formation, hardly any studies have looked at the link between copper deficiency and gray hair specifically.

More human-based research in this area would help clarify the link between the two. Like skin color, hair color is affected by melanin, which requires copper. This means copper deficiency may promote premature gray hair. Vision loss is a serious condition that may occur with long-term copper deficiency 34 , Copper is used by many enzymes that help ensure the nervous system works properly. This means that copper deficiency can cause problems with the nervous system, including vision loss It seems that vision loss due to copper deficiency is more common among people who have had surgery on their digestive tract, such as gastric bypass surgery.

While there is some evidence that vision loss caused by copper deficiency is reversible, other studies have shown no vision improvement after increasing copper intake 34 , Copper deficiency may cause vision loss.

This is because your vision is closely linked to your nervous system, which relies heavily on copper. In addition, you only need a small amount of copper to meet the recommended daily intake RDI of 0. The following foods are excellent sources of copper 39 :. Simply eating some of these foods throughout the week should provide you with enough copper to maintain healthy blood levels.

That said, the amount of copper found in tap water is very small, so you should eat a variety of copper-rich foods. Copper is found in many staple foods, which is why deficiency is rare. Eating a balanced diet should help you meet the recommended daily amount. However, certain groups of people are more likely than others to have trouble getting enough copper:.

Copper deficiency is rare in the United States. Copper deficiency can cause extreme tiredness, lightened patches of skin, high levels of cholesterol in the blood, and connective tissue disorders affecting the ligaments and skin.

Other effects of copper deficiency are weak and brittle bones, loss of balance and coordination, and increased risk of infection. Scientists are studying copper to understand how it affects health. Here are several examples of what this research has shown:. Cardiovascular disease Studies looking at the effect of copper intake on heart disease have had mixed results.

More research is needed to understand whether getting more copper from the diet or supplements might raise or lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Yes, copper can be harmful if you get too much. Getting too much copper on a regular basis can cause liver damage, abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, diarrhea , and vomiting. Copper toxicity is rare in healthy individuals. It can also occur if copper-containing water pipes leach copper into drinking water in your home or workplace.

The daily upper limits for copper include intakes from all sources—food, beverages, and supplements—and are listed below in micrograms mcg. Supplements are not monitored by the food and drug administration FDA for quality or purity. Vanilla extract adds depth of flavor to recipes and baked goods, and substitutes can replace it in a pinch. Learn more about replacements for vanilla…. In this Honest Nutrition feature, we explore the practice of "clean eating," and why this concept has been a controversial one for researchers.

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Hot water bottles can help to relieve aches and pains. Learn more here. Health benefits and risks of copper. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.

Health benefits Requirements Deficiency Effects Brain and nervous system Foods sources Supplements Risks Takeaway Copper is an essential trace mineral necessary for survival. Health benefits.

Share on Pinterest Copper is a useful material, but it is also a valuable mineral found in food. Requirements: How much do I need?

Share on Pinterest A high intake of vitamin C supplements can cause copper deficiency. Effects of deficiency. The brain and the nervous system. Food sources. Share on Pinterest Cashew nuts contain copper.

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