Considered an essential mineral, copper is necessary for healthy growth and proper functioning of the body. The mineral is stored mostly in the liver and in small quantities in the body's tissues. Although many people consume enough copper through food sources, the mineral can also be found in most multivitamins.
Benefits and Uses
Copper plays a variety of important roles inside the body. It is involved in the production of hemoglobin, myelin, collagen, elastin and melanin. As a result, it is essential for the proper development and function of blood, nerves, bones, connective tissues, skin and hair. Copper also acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that roam around the body.
In some cases, a physician might suggest additional copper supplementation. As explained by the University of Maryland Medical Center, copper supplementation is often recommended for arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and anemia. It might also be used to encourage quicker healing of extensive burns or large wounds.
Recommended Daily Amount
The recommended daily intake of copper varies by age. Until the age of 6 months, infants need just 200 mcg, while infants age 7 to 12 months need 220 mcg. From age 1 to 3, kids need 340 mcg and from age 4 to 8, kids need 440 mcg. From age 9 to 13, the recommended intake increases significantly to 700 mcg. The recommended intake further increases to 890 mcg for kids age 14 to 18. After the age of 19, adults need 900 mcg of copper per day. The recommended intake increases to 1,000 mcg for pregnant women and 1,300 mcg for lactating women.
Deficiency and Toxicity
Symptoms of copper deficiency include low body temperature, anemia, low white blood cell counts, irregular heartbeat and gradual loss of pigment from the skin. A person with copper deficiency is also at greater risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures. On the other hand, excessive intake can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches, muscle weakness, diarrhea and an unusually metallic taste in the mouth. If copper levels become toxic, it can lead to jaundice, coma or death.
Dietary Sources
Although you can get copper through a vitamin, several dietary sources of the essential mineral are available, including oysters, lobster, crab, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, mushrooms, potatoes, bananas, avocados, whole grain breads and legumes. Organ meats, such as liver and kidneys, are also quite high in copper. Nuts and chocolate also provide a healthy amount of copper, although their intake should be limited, as they are also high in calories and fat.
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