Cupric sulfate, also known as copper sulfate, is a mineral that is often added to over-the-counter multivitamin supplements. Copper is essential for humans and has a number of important functions in the body. Although it is available through the diet, it remains a component of vitamin supplements for those who are concerned their daily vitamin and mineral intake may not be sufficient through diet alone.
Functions
Copper sulfate is essential to the human body to help promote normal growth and good health. Specifically, it helps with bone development, nerve function and sugar metabolism. It is also a vital component of melanin -- the pigment that colors your hair, eyes and skin. Copper is needed to help your body absorb iron and it has powerful antioxidant properties, which means it is a part of the biological process that protects cells and tissue from attacks from free radicals. It may also help to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and arrhythmias.
Copper Deficiency
If you suffer from conditions such as digestive disorders, chronic stress, pancreatic disease, kidney disease or pregnancy or if you have severe burns or inflammation, you may be at an increased risk of copper deficiency. Copper deficiency may cause osteoporosis or anemia. You may take a copper supplement if you are concerned about copper deficiency through inadequate diet or after an illness.
Dosage
The recommended daily dose for copper sulfate is 0.4 to 1 mg per day from birth to 3 years of age, 1 to 1.5 mg per day up to 6 years and 1 to 2 mg per day up to 10 years. Adolescents and adults should take between 1.5 and 2 mg per day. You should consult your physician before taking a copper sulfate supplement.
Food Sources
You can also obtain copper from dietary sources. This trace mineral occurs naturally in foods such as cocoa powder, wheat bran, baker's yeast, crab, lobster, oysters, prawns, dried peaches, dried apricots, raisins, liver, Brazil nuts, desiccated coconut, peanut butter, mushrooms, peas and parsnips.
Misconceptions
Despite claims that copper sulfate supplements may be toxic, according to Super Nutrition USA, this claim is unfounded. No cases of toxicity at the recommended daily dose of 2 mg or below have been reported. As a nutritional supplement, toxic effects of copper sulfate have not been shown until doses have exceeded 750 mg.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Copper Supplement (Oral Route, Parenteral Route)
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Human Whole-Body Copper Metabolism; Judith Turnlund; 1998
- Vitamins Supplements Guide: Copper Supplements
- Healthy Eating Club: Copper
- Supernutrition USA; The Truth About Copper Sulphate; Michael Mooney; 2004
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