Copper: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
Cu
Family or group:
Minerals and Trace Elements
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Copper Deficiency ✪✪✪✪✪
Although rare, copper deficiencies have been noted in conditions likely to reduce copper absorption, such as gastric bypasses or simultaneous use of proton pump inhibitors or during excessive zinc intake. This deficiency manifests as anemia, leukopenia and neutropenia, bone fragility, growth delays, and increased susceptibility to infections. The EFSA defines the average daily intake level of copper at 1.3 mg/day and a maximum chronic daily intake of 5 mg/day for adults over 18 years old.
Posologie
Oral
1.3 - 5 mg
Copper citrate, copper gluconate, copper sulfate, copper bisglycinate
Hair Beauty ✪✪✪✪✪
Copper seems to play a role in the differentiation and proliferation of dermal papilla cells, a type of fibroblastic cell involved in hair growth. The only study evaluating copper levels in the hair itself (in men with androgenetic alopecia) noted reduced concentrations compared to those not losing hair. The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority and the European Commission) have highlighted copper's role in skin and hair pigmentation.
Posologie
Oral
2.5 - 5 mg
Copper citrate, copper gluconate, copper sulfate, copper bisglycinate
Immune Strengthening ✪✪✪✪✪
It is known that copper plays an important role in several cellular signaling pathways important for the immune function of macrophages. In macrophages activated by inflammatory cytokines, copper levels tend to increase, while it has been shown that copper deficiency impairs their immune function. Furthermore, copper deficiency in animals has been correlated with increased sensitivity to bacterial infections. The mechanism by which copper reinforces the immune response of macrophages has only recently been discovered. In the context of the innate immune response, activated macrophages (and neutrophils) engulf invading pathogens such as bacteria into membrane-bound phagosomes, in a process called phagocytosis. The oxidative burst inside the phagosomes generates toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill invading pathogens while protecting the rest of the cell from damage. It was recently discovered that copper plays an important role in this process, where high levels of intracellular copper in macrophages cause the displacement of the copper transport protein ATP7A to the phagosomes, providing additional copper ions that are thought to enhance ROS-generating capacity. By increasing ROS production in phagosomes, copper plays an important role in the ability of macrophages and neutrophils to kill invading pathogens. Moreover, the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority and the European Commission) recognize copper's role in the functioning of the immune system.
Posologie
Oral
2.5 - 5 mg
Copper citrate, copper gluconate, copper sulfate, copper bisglycinate
Synergies
Respiratory burst and candidacidal activity of peritoneal macrophages are impaired in copper-deficient rats.
Copper and immunity.
Proinflammatory effects of copper deficiency on neutrophils and lung endothelial cells.
The Janus face of copper: its expanding roles in biology and the pathophysiology of disease. Meeting on Copper and Related Metals in Biology.
Anemia ✪✪✪✪✪
In combination with iron and manganese, copper is used in the management of iron-deficiency anemia and iron deficiency.
Posologie
Oral route
2.5 - 5 mg
Copper citrate, copper gluconate, copper sulfate, Copper bisglycinate
Synergies
Oxidative Stress ✪✪✪✪✪
Copper is a very important co-factor for enzymes that catalyze redox reactions (a chemical reaction during which electron transfer occurs). Among the most important enzymes are copper-zinc superoxide dismutases (Cu,Zn-SOD) where copper works in harmony with zinc to transform toxic superoxides into non-toxic peroxides.
Posologie
Oral route
2.5 - 5 mg
Copper citrate, copper gluconate, copper sulfate, Copper bisglycinate
Dental plaque ✪✪✪✪✪
Mouth rinsing with a copper solution at 1mmol/l for 4 days significantly reduced dental plaque compared to a placebo treatment.
Posologie
Buccal route
4 - days
mouthwash
Osteoporosis ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research shows that taking 2.5 mg of copper in combination with 15 mg of zinc, 5 mg of manganese, and 1000 mg of calcium, over 2 years, can slow bone loss in postmenopausal women.
Posologie
Oral route
2.5 - 5 mg
2 - years
Women
Copper citrate, copper gluconate, copper sulfate, Copper bisglycinate
Synergies
Properties
Essential
European health authorities (EFSA, European Food Safety Authority, and the European Commission) have determined that foods and dietary supplements containing copper can contribute to: energy metabolism, maintenance of connective tissue, nervous system function, skin and hair pigmentation, iron transport in the blood, immune system function, and protection against free radicals (antioxidant effect). Copper is a cofactor of multiple enzymes, including: - Lysyl oxidase, an enzyme necessary for collagen and elastin maturation. Copper thus plays a major role in tissue growth and repair of vessels, bone cartilage, and skin. - Ceruloplasmin, through which copper also plays an important role in iron metabolism. It promotes the binding of iron to transferrin, controlling its susceptibility to induce lipid peroxidation (pro-oxidant and toxic effect of iron). - Dopamine B-hydroxylase, whose activity copper induces, which helps protect against stress. - Tyrosinase, whose activity copper induces, which plays a role in skin and hair pigmentation.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
Copper is a very important cofactor for enzymes that catalyze redox reactions (a chemical reaction where electron transfer occurs). The most important enzymes are copper-zinc superoxide dismutases (Cu,Zn-SOD) where copper works in harmony with zinc to convert toxic superoxides into non-toxic peroxides. It is worth noting that S.O.D helps reduce oxidative damage, thereby fighting tissue aging.
Usages associés
Antimicrobial
Copper deficiency in animals has been correlated with increased sensitivity to bacterial infections. The mechanism by which copper enhances the immune response of macrophages has only recently been discovered. As part of the innate immune response, activated macrophages (and neutrophils) engulf invading pathogens such as bacteria into membrane-bound phagosomes, in a process called phagocytosis. Moreover, copper has recently shown its efficacy in combating nosocomial infections.
Usages associés
Neurological
Observational studies show that people with Alzheimer's disease have higher levels of free copper in the blood than healthy individuals. This can lead to increased levels of free copper in the brain, which may enhance oxidative stress and contribute to neurological damage.
Dermatological Effect
Copper appears to play a role in the differentiation and proliferation of dermal papilla cells, a type of fibroblastic cell involved in hair growth. In vitro administration of a copper-containing tripeptide seems to promote the proliferation of dermal papilla cells, while promoting the growth and elongation of human hair follicles.
Usages associés
Remineralizing
In older women, supplementation with trace elements, including copper, in a diet rich in calcium, results in a slowing of bone loss. However, the mechanism of action is unclear, as other human studies do not suggest any effect of copper on various markers of bone metabolism, including serum osteocalcin (a marker of bone formation).
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 1.3 mg - 5 mg
Child from 3 to 3 years: 1 mg - 1 mg
Child from 11 to 17 years: 1.1 mg - 4 mg
Child from 4 to 6 years: 1 mg - 2 mg
Child from 7 to 9 years: 1 mg - 3 mg
Lactating woman from 18 years: 1.5 mg
The maximum chronic daily intake is not defined by EFSA.
Pregnant woman from 18 years: 1.5 mg
The maximum chronic daily intake is not defined by EFSA.
Infant from 7 to 11 months: 0.4 mg
The maximum chronic daily intake is not defined by EFSA.
Child from 1 to 2 years: 0.7 mg - 1 mg
Child from 10 to 10 years: 1.1 mg - 3 mg
Interactions
Médicaments
Penicillamine: moderate interaction
Copper chelates penicillamine, which decreases its absorption.
Plantes ou autres actifs
Copper: low interaction
The acidity of vitamin C may convert copper in the intestine into a less absorbable form. This is unlikely to be clinically significant unless dietary copper intake is low.
Copper: moderate interaction
Large amounts of zinc can inhibit copper absorption due to competition for absorption by the intestine. Toxic levels of zinc intake can cause significant copper deficiency and associated anemia. Similarly, relatively large amounts of copper can decrease zinc absorption, although this seems to occur more significantly in infants than in adults.
Contraindications
Wilson's Disease: prohibited
Copper supplements are contraindicated in cases of Wilson's disease, a rare genetic disorder causing copper accumulation in the body.
