Copper bracelets have a reputation for helping with various health problems, including pain caused by physical conditions such as arthritis. These benefits are passed along by word of mouth, and because of the popularity of these bracelets, many studies have been conducted to see whether their positive reputation is deserved. They may indeed be benefits, although they appear to be based on the placebo effect rather than a true physical reaction.
Transdermal Absorption
According to Scienta Press, wearing a copper bracelet may cause some of the copper to be absorbed by the skin. This can be helpful because copper is an important trace element for humans. Healthy adults have about 75 to 150 mg present in the body. About 2 to 3 mg turns over every day. Copper absorbed transdermally may correct potential deficiencies and help the body use zinc and iron in the immune system. However, it may be more effective for people with deficiencies to take oral supplements or get injections.
Pain Relief
Copper bracelets are believed by many people to ease arthritis pain. The exact mechanism by which they are supposed to work differs. There is no scientific evidence to support these claims; studies show there is no effect. For example, researchers at the University of York found that copper bracelets did not ease pain for study participants. Despite these results, many copper bracelet wearers report positive anecdotal results. The University of York researchers say this may be due to the disease's natural progression, since arthritis suffers have occasional pain-free periods.
Placebo Effect
Mayo Clinic researchers say that, for many people, copper bracelets can have a placebo effect that seems to relieve pain. They studied two groups of people who suffered from some type of musculoskeletal pain. One group wore copper and zinc bracelets, and one of wore look-alike bracelets made of different materials. None of the participants knew which type of bracelets they were wearing. Both groups reported pain relief at the same level, regardless of the bracelet they used, leading researchers to conclude that there was a placebo effect.
