MINERALS: Copper

Overview of Minerals | Calcium | Chromium | Copper | Iodine | Iron | Magnesium | Zinc | Manganese | Molybdenum | Phosphorus | Potassium | Selenium | Other Trace Elements

Copper

Functions of Copper

• Is necessary for the absorption & utilization of Iron.
• Helps oxidize Vitamin C and works with Vitamin C to form Elastin, a chief component of the Elastin muscle fibers throughout the body.
• Aids in the formation of red blood cells.
• Helps proper bone formation & maintenance.

Deficiency of Copper

General weakness, impaired respiration, skin sores.

Recommended dietary allowance for Copper

See Recommended dietary allowances for minerals.

Food sources of copper

Liver, lean beef, wheatgerm, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, butter beans, lentils, walnuts, peanuts, wholemeal bread, mackerel.

Toxicity of copper

Copper toxicity is rare but may occur. Excess copper consumption may lead to liver damage. Intake of supplements exceeding 3 mg copper/day for a protracted period of time may be cause for concern. Doses of 10 mg/day over several weeks may lead to toxic symptoms, such as weakness and nausea.

References

• Klevay, L. M. & Medeiros, D. M. (1996) Deliberations and evaluations of the approaches, endpoints and paradigms for dietary recommendations about copper. J. Nutr. 126: 2419S-2426S.
• Medeiros, D. M. & Wildman, R. (1997) New findings on a unified perspective of copper restriction and cardiomyopathy. Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 215: 299-313.
• Lei, K. Y. & Carr, T. P., eds. (1990) Role of Copper in Lipid Metabolism. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.



Overview of Minerals | Calcium | Chromium | Copper | Iodine | Iron | Magnesium | Zinc | Manganese | Molybdenum | Phosphorus | Potassium | Selenium | Other Trace Elements

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