Copper

Introduction:

Copper is a mineral that the body needs for normal growth and health, but both copper deficiency and elevated copper levels may cause disease states. For patients unable to get enough copper in their regular diet or with a need for more copper, copper supplements may be necessary. Copper is needed to help the body use iron. It is also important for nerve function, bone growth, and body sugar use. Lack of copper intake may lead to anemia and osteoporosis (weak bones). Some cultures use water pitchers made from copper to prevent copper deficiency. Copper is found in variety foods represented below.

Copper recommended daily allowance:

Copper was upgraded in 2006 to have an official RDA by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service. The recommended daily allowance for copper was established at 0.9 mg daily for adults, 1.3 mg daily during pregnancy or breast feeding, but no mention of specific recommendation for infants or children was described in this source. The upgrade of copper was believed necessary by then USDA due to at least 50% of diets tested showing insufficient intake of copper in the U.S., Belgium, Canada and the United Kingdom. The need for higher dieatary copper was also believed necessary by the USDA because of an association of low copper intake with an increase in risk of heart attacks and osteoporosis. The tolerable upper intake of copper for adults was set by the USDA at 10 mg daily but this has been disputed by others that it should be lower. (6)