The mineral Copper is found in trace amounts in all tissues within the body. Although only a small amount is needed, it is an essential nutrient that plays a role in the production of hemoglobin, which is the main component of red blood cells, myelin, which is the substance that surrounds nerve fibers, collagen, which is a key component of bones and connective tissue, and melanin, which is a dark pigment that colors the hair and skin. When copper is combined with Vitamin C, it forms a component of connective tissue known as elastin.
Copper is considered both an antioxidant and a pro-oxidant. It acts as an antioxidant by scavenging damaging particles in the body known as free radicals. Free radicals within the body naturally and damage cell walls, interact with genetic material, and may contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health conditions. The antioxidants can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or help prevent some of the damage they cause.
At times, copper acts as a pro-oxidant by promoting free radical damage, and it may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease and cervical dysplasia, or precancerous lesions of the cervix, which forms the opening to the uterus. It’s important to maintain the proper dietary balance of copper as well as other minerals including zing and manganese. A dietitian or family physician can help you do this.
There are several signs of possible copper deficiency which include anemia, bone fractures and osteoporosis, low white blood cell count, which are the cells that help fight infection, the loss of pigment from the skin, irregular heartbeat, low body temperature, and thyroid disorders. When infants exhibit poor feeding habits and lack proper growth, these symptoms may indicate a copper deficiency.
Anemia is a condition that is characterized by low hemoglobin levels. A copper supplementation may be beneficial for individuals with anemia because this mineral works together with iron to form hemoglobin.
In recent studies of animals, results suggest that oral copper supplements may reduce the development and progression of arthritis. People with arthritis, including rheumatoid and osteo, apply copper solutions to their skin or wear therapeutic or magnetic copper bracelets in hopes of relieving the pain and inflammation associated with these particular joint conditions. In the 1970s, a study showed that therapeutic or magnetic copper bracelets worked as placebo bracelets; however, other reports are mixed. It is thought that sweat may interfere with how well a topical copper solution of copper bracelet might work.
When a person’s skin is burned, a large amount of micronutrients, such as copper, selenium, and zinc may be lost. This can increase the risk for infection, slows the healing process, prolongs the hospital stay, and may increase the risk of death. Although scientists and doctors aren’t quite sure exactly how beneficial micronutrients are for people with burns, studies suggest that a multivitamin including copper and other minerals may aid in the recovery process.
Irritable Bowl Disease, or IBD, which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, which is characterized by bloody diarrhea, is a condition that causes people to easily lose essential vitamins and minerals, such as copper. To treat IBD, doctors or clinicians often recommend a multivitamin that contains essential minerals. IBD may also be related to the damage caused by free radicals.
After observing lab rats which were deficient in copper, scientists found that these animals had elevated blood sugar levels over time, indicating a possible connection between low copper and diabetes; however, a study including people with diabetes found very different results. In diabetic individuals, copper levels were higher compared to those without. As a matter of fact, the higher the copper, the more likely the person was to have complications from the diabetes including retinopathy or damage to the retina of the eye, high blood pressure, or vascular disease.
The best dietary sources of copper are seafood, including oysters, squid, lobsters, crab, and clams, organ meats such as beef liver, heart, or kidneys, nuts and nut butters, legumes, chocolate, fruits and vegetables, molasses, black pepper, and enriched cereals. Multivitamins are a source of copper; however, some people prefer to take an individual oral supplement. It’s also found in a topical solution or therapeutic healing copper bracelet. The proper absorption and metabolism requires an appropriate balance of copper, zinc, and manganese.
The most effective way to obtain sufficient amounts of copper is through the diet. Proper absorption and metabolism of copper requires an appropriate balance with the minerals zinc and manganese. The following lists provide the recommended daily dietary intake of copper for children and adults.
A copper supplement should never be given to children. Adults who take copper supplements should also take zinc supplements as an imbalance of these two minerals has been known to cause thyroid problems. Because of these potential side effects and interactions with other medications, it’s important to take dietary supplements under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Individuals, who experience excessive copper intake, may experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, weakness, dizziness, diarrhea, and a metallic taste in the mouth. Although copper toxicity is rare, it can cause heart problems, a coma, jaundice, and even death. An overload of copper may occur from using copper cookware and drinking or bathing in water supplied by copper pipes on a regular basis. Copper can leak out of pipes, especially with hot water, if it sits in the pipes for an extended period of time.
An effective ways to reduce copper are to flush the system by running cold water for two to three minutes and to avoid unlined copper cookware that can leach into certain acidic foods such as vinegar, citrus, and tomatoes. If blue-green stains form around the faucet or sink, or there is a metallic taste to the water in your faucet, it may be a good idea to have the water tested by a certified laboratory.
Wilson’s disease is a hereditary syndrome that results from the accumulation of copper in the brain, liver, eyes, and kidneys in an individual affected by this condition. High intakes of iron and zinc can impair absorption of copper; therefore, zinc has been used to decrease copper in people suffering from Wilson's disease.
It’s imperative to speak to a healthcare provider before taking copper supplements because certain medications when combined with copper may cause side effects. For example, birth control and estrogen replacement for post-menopausal women already increases the levels of copper in the body; therefore, too much copper could cause damage to the body. Penicillamine used to treat Wilson’s disease and Allopurinol are intended to reduce copper levels, and Cimetidine is used to treat ulcers and gastric esophageal reflux disease by raising copper levels, so the combination of this drug and a copper supplement could cause damage to the liver and other organs.
An old folk remedy for arthritis is the wearing of a copper bracelet to provide pain relief. The wearer is believed to absorb the copper through the skin to relieve joint pain. Today, copper absorption is primarily anecdotal and remains controversial. Although many people choose copper for function, most enjoy wearing copper jewelry for fashion not function.
Copper jewelry, including the therapeutic copper bracelet and the magnetic copper bracelet, is more affordable than Sterling Silver or Gold jewelry. Our Therapeutic Copper Bracelets are available in a wide variety of styles and designs. The exact size may be determined by measuring the circumference of the wrist. The actual size of the wrist is needed to make customized copper bracelets; however, other therapeutic copper bracelets or magnetic copper bracelets have already been made to fit a 6 to 7 inch wrist. There are one of a kind therapeutic copper bracelets created by such artists as Doug Etefitty and the Tahe Family, and a wide selection of Wholesale Copper Bracelet Lots available.
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