Copper is a trace mineral found in all tissues in the body.

Copper is essential to human health for its role in maintaining structural integrity and catalytic properties¹. Copper-containing enzymes are involved in energy production, iron metabolism, connective tissue maturation, and neurotransmission².

Signs and Symptoms of Deficiency or Toxicity

Common causes of copper deficiency are decreased copper stores in birth, inadequate dietary intake, poor absorption, elevated requirements induced by rapid growth, or increased copper losses¹.

Observed features of copper deficiency are anemia, neutropenia, bone abnormalities, and hypercholesterolemia^1,3.

Copper toxicity is rare but accidental poisoning may occur as a result of contamination of beverages by copper-containing containers. Symptoms reported for copper toxicity include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe liver damage, kidney failure, coma, and death².

Supplementation Guide

No published guidelines for supplementation for the general public.

Following are frequently used dosages of supplemental copper for the prevention of a deficiency⁵.

• Adult and teenage males: 1.5 to 2.5 mg/day
• Adult and teenage females: 1.5 to 3 mg/day
• Children:
  • 7 to 10 years: 1 to 2 mg/day
  • 4 to 6 years: 1 to 1.5 mg/day

There are no established upper limits for copper for the Philippine population. However, the International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IDSA) suggests 9 mg for tolerable upper intake level from supplements (ULS)⁶.

There is little known about the potential interaction of copper with drugs. However, high supplemental zinc intake may lead to copper deficiency².