The proper amount of copper in the body is essential to good health. Copper is necessary for the body’s absorption and use of the mineral iron. Copper’s role in helping the body use iron makes it essential in the process of synthesizing hemoglobin, a respiratory protein of red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to body tissues.

Copper also is an antioxidant found in enzymes that deactivate free radicals, which are pieces of molecules that can bind together to damage body tissues. Other copper enzymes help the body to create the protein collagen and to heal wounds. As with iron, copper is essential to many of the metabolic reactions that release energy.

There is evidence that copper also helps slow the aging process by decreasing the incidence of protein glycation. This is a reaction in which sugar molecules twist protein molecules out of shape, rendering them unusable. It can cause bone loss, high cholesterol, cardiac problems and other health conditions. Protein glycation can cause blindness in people with diabetes.

Copper also contributes to the growth of strong bones, helps ensure the health of nerve tissue and prevents a person’s hair from turning gray prematurely. However, contrary to some people’s belief, copper cannot reverse the graying process.

There is some evidence that copper complexes may have anti-cancer properties. Some people with arthritis also wear copper bracelets to relieve symptoms. However, there is no scientific evidence that this is effective.

While appropriate levels of copper are essential to good health, too much or too little copper can have significant health consequences.

Deficiency of copper is usually the result of genetic disorders, such as Menkes disease (kinky hair syndrome), in which the cells absorb copper but cannot release it to the body. There is no cure for this condition, and it is often fatal at an early age.

Some people who take certain dietary supplements may ingest levels of zinc that are so high that they delay copper absorption. A high intake of iron can also decrease the absorption of copper. Excessive levels of vitamin C also can lead to copper deficiency.

Copper deficiency rarely results from too little copper in the diet. However, infants who are fed only cow’s milk formulas sometimes have a copper deficiency because these formulas are low in copper content. Premature or low-birth weight infants are at increased risk, as are infants with prolonged diarrhea or malnutrition.

Malabsorption diseases (e.g., celiac disease, short bowel syndrome, crohn's disease) and malnutrition also can lead to copper deficiency. Other illnesses and conditions that can lead to copper deficiency include:

• Burns
• Cystic fibrosis
• Diarrhea
• Intestinal disease
• Kidney disease
• Pancreas disease
• Stomach removal
• Chronic stress

People who have copper deficiency may experience abnormal heartbeat, anemia (low red blood cell count) and low white blood cell counts, bone abnormalities (e.g., osteoporosis), impaired functioning of the immune system and greater vulnerability to infection. Adults with low levels of copper may experience muscle spasms in their legs and may have trouble walking. Animal studies have shown a link between low levels of copper and high cholesterol and damage to blood vessels, leading to speculation that low levels of copper may contribute to cardiovascular disease. Further research is needed to determine if copper can affect heart disease risk.

Copper deficiency is typically treated with copper dietary supplements.

High levels of copper are extremely rare in the United States. When they do occur, they are usually the result of genetic disorders such as Wilson’s disease, in which copper accumulates at toxic levels in the brain, liver and other organs. Taking excessive levels of copper supplements also can result in toxicity. People with diabetes also should not consume too much copper, because this can affect blood sugar levels. Excessive levels of copper usually are treated with dietary changes as recommended by a physician.

People who obtain too much copper may experience liver, kidney or neurological (nerve) damage. In the short term, symptoms may manifest as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and weakness. Other illnesses associated with high levels of copper include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Gingivitis (gum disease)
• Hyperactivity
• Insomnia
• Lack of concentration
• Memory lapses
• High blood pressure
  

  

• Preeclampsia (serious condition in pregnancy causing swelling and high blood pressure)
• Postpartum psychosis
• Seizure
• Stuttering
• Weight gain