Although most of your body's supply of copper is in your liver, all the tissues of your body contain a small amount, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Copper plays a key role in the production of hemoglobin, a component of red blood cells; collagen, a component of bones and connective tissue; myelin, a sheathing that surrounds nerve fibers; and melanin, the pigment that colors your hair and skin.
Antioxidant
Copper is an antioxidant, which means maintaining a proper balance of copper is important for controlling free radicals, which can cause cell damage and might increase your risk of cancer, heart disease and other diseases. Free radicals are substances produced after your body breaks down food or that result from exposure to tobacco smoke, radiation and other environmental pollutants. Free radicals may also contribute to the aging process, according to UMMC. Copper and other antioxidants neutralize free radicals and help minimize or prevent the damage they cause. However, too much copper in your diet might promote free radical damage.
Copper Deficiency
If you don't get enough copper in your diet, you might develop copper deficiency. Symptoms include low body temperature, anemia, bone fractures, osteoporosis, low white blood cell count, loss of skin pigment, irregular heartbeat and thyroid disorders. Infants who have copper deficiency might not grow properly and might display poor feeding habits. You are at heightened risk for copper deficiency if you have gastrointestinal disease or have had gastrointestinal surgery.
Considerations
Males and females ages 19 and older should have a daily dietary intake of 900 micrograms of copper, according to MedlinePlus. Your copper intake likely is sufficient if your diet includes dark green, leafy vegetables; organ meats, such as liver; whole-grain products; oysters; dried legumes; nuts; and chocolate. If you have trouble absorbing copper because of inflammatory bowel disease, you can supplement your intake with an appropriate multivitamin. People with anemia have low hemoglobin levels, and also might benefit from copper supplementation. Lung cancer patients might benefit from dietary zinc and copper, according to a large clinical study cited by UMMC.
Healing
If you have severe burns or wounds, you might need copper supplementation. People with severe burns tend to lose copper at a faster rate than other minerals, according to UMMC. Also, copper helps stimulate skin regeneration, so people with serious wounds might benefit from copper-treated dressings that deliver the mineral directly to the wound.
Warning
Discuss copper supplementation with your doctor to determine a safe dosage. Your weight, height, typical diet, age and medical condition affect how much copper you need. Generally, adults should not take more than 10 mg of copper per day, or risk liver damage, according to the American Cancer Society. The ACS adds that the maximum amount for children is lower, depending on age.
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