Copper is an essential mineral that's stored in the liver and in trace amounts in all body tissues. Although it is needed only in tiny amounts, copper is crucial to many different body systems and functions. Copper is found in seafood, organ meats, nuts, legumes, enriched cereals, fruits, vegetables and some other foods. Copper is typically included in multivitamins, but it's also available in oral supplements, topical gels and solutions, as well as copper "healing" bracelets.
Treats Anemia
Taking copper supplements may benefit people with anemia, because copper works with iron to form hemoglobin in the blood, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Many individuals who suffer from anemia take iron supplements, and they often need extra copper to process the iron, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The UPMC recommends taking copper at least two hours before or after taking iron supplements so that they're properly absorbed into the body.
Osteoporosis Treatment
Copper also helps in the production of collagen, a crucial component of connective tissues and bones, the UMMC says. Studies on copper's relationship with osteoporosis found that taking combinations of trace minerals that included copper can help to treat osteoporosis and bone loss, according to the UPMC. A two-year controlled clinical trial discovered that taking 3mg of copper each day reduces bone loss, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
Assists in Wound Healing
Copper supplements are an essential part of a nutritional program for wound healing, because copper is necessary to cross-link and strengthen connective tissues, the UMHS says. For wound healing related to surgery, patients should take 2 to 4mg per day of copper beginning about two weeks before surgery until four weeks after surgery, the UMHS notes. Further, many medical researchers and scientists believe that infusing wound dressings with copper will promote faster healing and skin regeneration, according to the UMMC.
Treats High Cholesterol
Taking copper supplements can decrease total cholesterol and LDL, or "bad cholesterol," levels in the blood, says the UMHS. A controlled clinical trial found that taking 3 to 4mg of copper each day for eight weeks decreased cholesterol levels in people over the age of 50. Researchers have also linked copper deficiencies with high cholesterol levels in the blood, the UMHS adds. Other studies, however, have offered little to no evidence in supporting copper's link to cholesterol or heart disease, the UPMC says.
Helps to Heal Burns
People who have major skin burns lose a large amount of micronutrients, especially copper, which slows healing and increases infection risks, the UMMC says. Taking a copper supplement can help burn patients recover more quickly and with fewer complications. A double-blind clinical trial discovered that daily intravenous supplements of copper, zinc and selenium administered to hospital patients with severe, extensive burns experienced fewer post-burn infections and faster healing rates, the UMHS notes.
Treats Inflammatory Diseases
Copper has also been linked to treating certain inflammatory diseases, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. People with IBD don't absorb certain minerals like copper as well as other people and usually require copper supplements, the UMMC explains. Also, because IBD involves damage to tissues by free radicals, the copper levels in the inflamed tissues are typically low. Copper can also have an anti-inflammatory effect by activating superoxide dismutase, an enzyme that prevents inflammation in the joints, says the UMHS. Because people with rheumatoid arthritis tend to have copper deficiencies, copper supplementation is crucial to treating arthritis. Several controlled studies have discovered that the most effective supplement is a copper aspirinate, which is a combination of copper and aspirin, the UMHS says.
Member Comments