Copper (Cu)

Copper (Cu)Copper is an essential trace element. An adult contains around 100-150 micrograms of copper. Most of it is found in the liver, brain, kidneys, and heart. Fetuses and newborn babies have particularly high copper levels in their liver. In fact, the liver is believed to serve as an extra storage facility during lactation where the copper content in breastmilk is rather low.

Functions and importance for

Deficiencies and poor utilisation may be caused by

Deficiency symptoms

Rarely seen but may result in:

Sources

Most foods that contain iron also contain copper. The best sources are liver and organ meat, meat, nuts, whole-grain products, shellfish, beans, and dark chocolate.

Copper content in mg per 100 grams

Raw oysters 8
Beef liver 5
Walnuts and almonds 1
Brown beans 0.5


Recommended daily allowance (RDA)

It is not known exactly how much copper the human body needs, but the RDA is as follows:

Adults: 11 years of age and older: 1 mg
Children: 1-10 years of age: 0.34 mg

Increased need

Rarely seen. Supplements are only recommended if a copper deficiency has been detected.

Adults: Max. 3 mg daily
Children: Max. 1 mg daily.

Overdosing - side effects

Copper is toxic in large quantities and may cause:

Large doses of several grams may cause:

Wilson's syndrome (hereditary disease with copper overload)

A result of morbid copper metabolism. Only develops in individuals where both parents are genetically predisposed. The disease is treated with copper-depleted diet and penicillamine that binds copper and prevents the uptake of the nutrient. Left untreated, this disease may cause death and it is known to lead to:

Important information

The body's supply of copper must be in balance with the zinc supply at all times.

Drinking water that is contaminated with copper from water pipes may cause diarrhea - especially in newborn babies and infants.
Water from the hot faucet absorbs copper from the water pipes more easily than cold water. For that reason, it is advised only to drink water from the cold faucet and, if possible, to allow the water to run for a while before drinking it. This is particularly relevant in situations where the faucet has not been in use for some time.

Avoid food getting in contact with copper from non-galvanized pots and cooking utensils. Copper is particularly likely to be released from these items when they get in contact with acid-containing things like vinegar, lemon, and wine.

Contraceptive pills and estrogen therapy after menopause may increase the content of copper in blood. NSAID preparations (used to treat rheumatism and pain) may enhance the effect of copper.

The colouring agent E141 that adds bluish green/bluish black colours contains copper.