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What is copper?

Copper is an essential mineral that is vital for the functioning of many enzymes and for the maintenance of overall health. It plays a crucial role in iron metabolism, the formation of red blood cells, and the maintenance of healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves, and immune function. Copper is also important for brain development and connective tissue formation. It is naturally present in various foods, including beef liver, shellfish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, potatoes, and leafy green vegetables, and can be taken as a dietary supplement if necessary.

Why is copper important?

Due to copper’s role in numerous physiological processes, maintaining adequate copper levels is essential. Inadequate copper levels in the United States are primarily caused by genetic disorders and malabsorption issues and can lead to anemia, cardiovascular abnormalities, bone defects, and compromised immune function. On the other hand, while the body is quite efficient at expelling excessive copper, excessive copper intake can cause toxicity, leading to gastrointestinal distress, liver damage, and neurological symptoms. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, in some studies, copper imbalances have been tied to Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

How can I better understand my copper levels?

To understand your copper levels, you can reference the following ranges:

  • Out of range: 0-0.64 mg/L
  • In range: 0.64-1/1 mg/L
  • Out of range: 1.1+ mg/L

Low levels of copper may be caused by poor dietary intake, malabsorption, or genetic conditions like Menkes disease. High levels can result from excessive dietary intake, supplementation, or genetic conditions like Wilson’s disease.

How can I maintain optimal copper levels?

If you need to maintain or adjust your copper levels, consider the following strategies:

Dietary Sources: Incorporate copper-rich foods into your diet, such as beef liver, shellfish, dark unsweetened chocolate, nuts, seeds, whole grains, potatoes, and leafy green vegetables. According to the National Institute of Health, a single serving of shellfish, such as oysters, provides a significant amount of the recommended daily intake for copper.

Supplementation: If dietary intake is insufficient, copper supplements can help. It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider for the appropriate dosage, as excessive copper supplementation can lead to toxicity. Additionally, due to the importance of maintaining a balance between the amount of copper and zinc in your body, a zinc supplement must be taken along with copper. Due to this, it is possible to develop a copper or zinc deficiency by taking one of these supplements without the other since they can block the absorption of the other mineral in the small intestine.

Lifestyle Changes: If your copper levels are high, avoid sources of excess copper, such as drinking water from copper pipes and using copper cookware. Ensure a balanced diet to support overall mineral balance.

Where Can I Learn More?

DISCLAIMER: IF YOU ARE CONCERNED WITH ANY OF YOUR RESULTS, PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN.