Copper is an essential trace mineral vital for various physiological functions, including collagen formation, iron absorption, immune function, nerve health, and antioxidant defense. While crucial for...
Copper is an essential trace mineral vital for various physiological functions, including collagen formation, iron absorption, immune function, nerve health, and antioxidant defense. While crucial for overall health, copper intake must be carefully managed to prevent adverse effects. Supplementation within the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is generally considered safe for most individuals. However, excessive dosages can lead to gastrointestinal distress, liver and kidney damage. Therefore, high-dose copper supplements should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Key Information
Inside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
900 mcg daily for adults
Source Type
natural
Production Process
Copper is mined from naturally occurring ores. These ores undergo various processes, including crushing, grinding, flotation, smelting, and refining, to extract and purify the copper.
Use Type
Inside BodyPotential Benefits
Supports healthy nerve function in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. This includes nerve signal transmission, nerve cell protection, and nerve regeneration.
Enhances cellular energy production by optimizing ATP creation and metabolism, leading to reduced fatigue and increased stamina. This process supports overall vitality and physical performance.
Connective tissue health ensures the strength, elasticity, and repair capabilities of cartilage, tendons, ligaments, bones, skin, and blood vessels. It supports structural integrity, joint function, and reduces injury risk by promoting collagen synthesis and reducing inflammation.
Supports the body's defense against pathogens, enhances immune cell activity, and reduces inflammation. Improved immune function leads to fewer infections and faster recovery.
Collagen synthesis is the body's natural process of producing collagen, a structural protein crucial for skin, hair, nails, joints, and tissue repair. Adequate synthesis supports skin integrity, hair/nail growth, joint health, and wound healing.
Copper is essential for the enzyme lysyl oxidase, which cross-links collagen and elastin, thereby maintaining the strength and integrity of connective tissues, skin, and blood vessels. Adequate copper intake supports healthy collagen and elastin production.
Ceruloplasmin, a copper-containing enzyme, oxidizes ferrous iron to ferric iron, which is essential for iron transport via transferrin and cellular iron uptake. This process ensures adequate iron availability for oxygen transport and other vital bodily functions.
Copper is essential for the function of superoxide dismutase (SOD), a powerful antioxidant enzyme. SOD protects cells from damage caused by free radicals by converting them into less harmful substances.
Possible Side Effects
Gastrointestinal upset involves a variety of digestive symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and may indicate an underlying condition if persistent.
Nausea is an unpleasant sensation of stomach unease, often preceding vomiting, caused by various factors like medications or infections. Prolonged nausea can lead to complications like dehydration.
Metallic taste (dysgeusia) is a taste distortion characterized by a persistent metallic, tinny, or unpleasant taste in the mouth, often linked to substances like zinc gluconate supplements and their interaction with taste receptors. It can alter the perception of food and drinks and vary in severity.
High doses of niacin can cause liver inflammation and damage, potentially leading to liver failure. Monitoring liver function is crucial during high-dose niacin supplementation.
Copper toxicity is a rare but serious condition resulting from excessive copper accumulation in the body, potentially damaging the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. It can be caused by dietary sources, industrial exposure, or metabolic disorders.
Kidney damage is a theoretical side effect associated with very high doses, particularly intravenous, of the substance. Evidence is limited, requiring further human research to confirm the risk and potential symptoms.
Scientific Evidence
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Copper-HealthProfessional/
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