Indications
Copper is an essential trace mineral. It is included in many multivitamin and mineral supplements to help meet daily needs, and is used to prevent or treat copper deficiency. Deficiency is uncommon but can happen after stomach or bowel surgery, with poor absorption from the gut, with long-term high-dose Zinc, or during long-term feeding through a drip.
How It Works
The body needs small amounts of copper for enzymes that produce energy, help the body use iron to make red blood cells, build strong connective tissue and bones, protect nerves, support the immune system and make skin and hair pigment.
Dosage and Administration
- Adults need about 0.9 mg of copper a day, mostly from food. Supplements usually provide 0.5 to 2 mg a day.
- Do not take more than 10 mg a day from all sources unless a doctor advises it.
- Treatment of proven deficiency and copper given through a drip: as prescribed.
Take with or after food to reduce stomach upset.
Interactions
- High doses of Zinc reduce copper absorption and can cause deficiency over time.
- Penicillamine and Trientine bind copper and remove it from the body.
- Very high doses of Vitamin C may slightly reduce copper absorption.
- Taking several supplements that contain copper together can lead to too much.
Contraindications
- Wilson’s disease or other conditions where copper builds up in the body.
- Allergy to any ingredient of the product.
Side Effects
At usual supplement doses, side effects are rare. Some people notice nausea, stomach upset or a metallic taste.
Get urgent medical help for vomiting blood, severe stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or unusual tiredness and paleness, as these can be signs of copper poisoning or liver damage.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Normal amounts, such as those in pregnancy multivitamins, are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid high-dose copper supplements unless a doctor advises them.
Precautions and Warnings
- Use with care in liver disease or blocked bile flow, since copper leaves the body through the bile.
- Check the labels of all your supplements so that you do not take copper from several products at once.
- Keep out of the reach of children.
Overdose
Too much copper can cause nausea, vomiting (sometimes blue-green), diarrhoea, stomach pain, and in severe cases liver and kidney damage and destruction of red blood cells. Seek medical help straight away.
Therapeutic Class
Trace element (mineral supplement).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.