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NCP Miracle II
161 Richardson-Bass Rd
Kenly, NC 27542
Tel:(919)284-6002 Fax:(919)284-4197
EMail: info1@ncpmiracle2.com
161 Richardson-Bass Rd
Kenly, NC 27542
Tel:(919)284-6002 Fax:(919)284-4197
EMail: info1@ncpmiracle2.com
| Copper |
Copper is a mineral found in trace amounts in all tissues in the body. Although only a
small amount is needed, copper is an essential nutrient that plays a role in the production of
hemoglobin (the main iron component of red blood cells), myelin (the substance that
surrounds nerve fibers), collagen (a key component of bones and connective tissue), and
melanin (a dark pigment that colors the hair and skin). Copper also works with vitamin C to
help make a component of connective tissue known as elastin.
Copper can act as both an antioxidant and a pro-oxidant. As an antioxidant, it scavenges
damaging particles in the body known as free radicals. Free radicals occur naturally in the
body and can damage cell walls, interact with genetic material, and possibly contribute to
the aging process as well as the development of a number of health conditions.
Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the
damage they cause.
When copper acts as a pro-oxidant at times, it promotes free radical damage and may
contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease and, possibly, cervical dysplasia
(precancerous lesions of the cervix which forms the opening to the uterus). Maintaining the
proper dietary balance of copper (along with other minerals such as zinc and manganese) is
important. Your doctor or dietitian can help you do this.
Signs of possible copper deficiency include anemia, low body temperature, bone fractures
and osteoporosis, low white blood cell count (the cells that help fight infection), irregular
heartbeat, loss of pigment from the skin, and thyroid disorders. Infants who do not have
enough of this mineral tend to have poor feeding habits and lack proper growth.
Foods that contain copper include oysters, organ meats, whole grain breads and cereals,
shellfish, dark green leafy vegetables, dried legumes, nuts, and chocolate.
Uses
Anemia
Copper supplementation may be beneficial for individuals with anemia (a condition
characterized by low hemoglobin levels) because this mineral works together with iron to
form hemoglobin.
Arthritis
Animal studies suggest that oral copper supplements reduce the development and
progression of arthritis. Many people with arthritis (both rheumatoid and osteo) apply
copper solutions to their skin or wear copper bracelets in hopes of relieving pain and
inflammation associated with this joint condition. Reports of success with these methods,
however, are mixed, but one clinical study from the 1970s did show that the copper
bracelets worked better than placebo bracelets. Sweat can interfere with how well the
topical copper solutions and bracelets work.
Burns
When skin is burned, a substantial percentage of micronutrients, such as copper, selenium,
and zinc may be lost. This increases the risk for infection, slows the healing process,
prolongs the hospital stay, and even increases the risk of death. However, people with
major burns tend to lose copper more rapidly than other mineral. Although it is unclear
which micronutrients are most beneficial for people with burns, many clinical studies
suggest that a multivitamin including copper and other minerals may aid in the recovery
process.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
People with the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
cannot absorb essential vitamins and minerals, such as copper, as well as healthy
individuals. When treating IBD, clinicians often recommend a multivitamin containing
essential minerals.
In addition, inflammatory bowel disease may be related to oxidation or damage caused by
free radicals. In fact, copper levels may be low in the inflamed tissue of those with IBD,
particularly Crohn's disease.
Finally, a laboratory animal study found deficient rats in copper tend to have elevated blood
sugar levels over time, indicating a possible connection between low copper and diabetes.
A clinical study including people with diabetes, however, found very different results.
Copper levels were higher in people with diabetes compared to those without. In fact, the
higher the copper level, the more likely the person was to have complications from the
diabetes, including retinopathy (damage to the retina of the eye), high blood pressure, or
vascular disease.
Others
In one clinical study that followed over 1,600 patients with lung cancer found that dietary
zinc and copper intakes are associated with reduced risk of lung cancer. The protective
effects of dietary copper were seen in all ages, weight, and smoking.
Dietary Sources
Among the best dietary sources of copper are:
Seafood (such as oysters, squid, lobster, mussels, crab, and clams)
Organ meats (such as beef liver, kidneys, and heart)
Nuts and nut butters (such as cashews, filberts, macadamia nuts, pecans, almonds, and
pistachios)
Legumes (such as soybeans, lentils, navy beans, and peanuts)
Chocolate (such as unsweetened or semisweet baker's chocolate and cocoa)
Enriched cereals (such as bran flakes, shredded wheat, and raisin bran)
Fruits and vegetables (such as dried fruits, mushrooms, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet
potatoes, bananas, grapes, and avocado)
Blackstrap molasses
Black pepper
Available Forms
Multivitamins that include minerals generally provide copper. But, copper is also available
as an individual oral supplement. Copper can also be found as a healing bracelet, topical
gel, and in topical solutions.
How to Take It
The best way to get enough copper is through your diet. Proper absorption and metabolism
of copper requires an appropriate balance with the minerals zinc and manganese. The
following lists provide the recommended daily dietary intake of copper for children and
adults from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, part of the U.S. Deptartment of Health
and Human Services.
Pediatric
For infants from birth to 6 months: The recommended daily intake is 200 mcg.
For infants 7 - 12 months: The recommended daily intake is 220 mcg.
For children 1 - 3 years: The recommended daily intake is 340 mcg.
For children 4 - 8 years: The recommended daily intake is 440 mcg.
For children 9 - 13 years: The recommended daily intake is 700 mcg.
For children 14 - 18 years: The recommended daily intake is 890 mcg.
Copper for children should be obtained from foods. Copper supplements should not be
given to children.
Adult
For adults 19 years and older: The recommended daily intake is 900 mcg.
For pregnant females: The recommended daily intake is 1,000 mcg.
For breast-feeding females: The recommended daily intake is 1,300 mcg.
Adults taking copper supplements should also take zinc supplements (8 - 15 mg of zinc for
every 1 mg of copper) as an imbalance of these two minerals can cause other health
conditions.
Precautions
Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, dietary
supplements should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care
provider.
Excessive copper intake can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, dizziness,
weakness, diarrhea, and a metallic taste in the mouth. Copper toxicity is rare but can cause
heart problems, jaundice, coma, and even death. Do not use copper supplements if diarrhea
is present. Water containing copper concentrations greater than 6 mg/L is associated with
gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea and vomiting). If you have well water, it may be important
to get the water tested for mineral content.
Copper toxicity may occur from using copper cookware and from water supplied by copper
pipes on a regular basis. Copper can leach out of pipes into water, especially hot water, if it
sits in copper pipes for an extended period of time. It is best to always cook with cold water.
Flushing the system by running cold water for 2 - 3 minutes is an effective way to reduce
copper. Also, it is best to avoid unlined copper cookware since copper can leach into acidic
foods, such as vinegar, tomato, or citrus. If you have blue-green stains around your faucet
or sink, or if you detect a metallic taste to your water, you may want to have your water
tested by a certified laboratory.
Children and individuals with Wilson's disease, a hereditary syndrome that results in an
accumulation of copper in the brain, liver, kidneys, and eyes, should not take copper
supplements. Because high intakes of zinc and iron can impair absorption of copper, zinc
has been used to decrease copper in people suffering from of Wilson's disease.
Possible Interactions
If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use
copper supplements without first talking to your health care provider.
Birth control medications and estrogen following menopause -- Birth control medications
and estrogen replacement for post-menopausal women can increase blood levels of
copper. Therefore, copper supplements are not appropriate and may be cause for concern
in individuals taking either of these medications.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- Copper binds to NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen
and naproxen) and appears to enhance their anti-inflammatory activity.
Penicillamine -- Penicillamine (a medication used to treat Wilson's disease and rheumatoid
arthritis) reduces copper levels that may be the intended use, as in the case of Wilson's
disease.
Allopurinol -- Test tube studies suggest that allopurinol (Zyloprim), a medication used to
treat gout, may reduce copper levels.
Cimetidine -- Animal studies show that cimetidine (Tagamet), a medication used to treat
ulcers and gastric esophageal reflux disease (when acid from the stomach enters the
esophagus and causes heartburn and indigestion), may elevate copper levels in the body
leading to damage of the liver and other organs.
Nifedipine -- In a human study, a lower concentration of copper was found in red blood cells
after use of nifedipine (Procardia or Adalat).
Zinc -- Several laboratory and human studies have found that high levels of supplemental
zinc taken over extended periods of time may result in decreased copper absorption in the
intestines and copper deficiency. However, some studies in humans suggest that high
dietary zinc may not interfere with the actual tissue or plasma concentrations of copper. Ask
your health care provider if you need zinc and copper supplementation.
small amount is needed, copper is an essential nutrient that plays a role in the production of
hemoglobin (the main iron component of red blood cells), myelin (the substance that
surrounds nerve fibers), collagen (a key component of bones and connective tissue), and
melanin (a dark pigment that colors the hair and skin). Copper also works with vitamin C to
help make a component of connective tissue known as elastin.
Copper can act as both an antioxidant and a pro-oxidant. As an antioxidant, it scavenges
damaging particles in the body known as free radicals. Free radicals occur naturally in the
body and can damage cell walls, interact with genetic material, and possibly contribute to
the aging process as well as the development of a number of health conditions.
Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the
damage they cause.
When copper acts as a pro-oxidant at times, it promotes free radical damage and may
contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease and, possibly, cervical dysplasia
(precancerous lesions of the cervix which forms the opening to the uterus). Maintaining the
proper dietary balance of copper (along with other minerals such as zinc and manganese) is
important. Your doctor or dietitian can help you do this.
Signs of possible copper deficiency include anemia, low body temperature, bone fractures
and osteoporosis, low white blood cell count (the cells that help fight infection), irregular
heartbeat, loss of pigment from the skin, and thyroid disorders. Infants who do not have
enough of this mineral tend to have poor feeding habits and lack proper growth.
Foods that contain copper include oysters, organ meats, whole grain breads and cereals,
shellfish, dark green leafy vegetables, dried legumes, nuts, and chocolate.
Uses
Anemia
Copper supplementation may be beneficial for individuals with anemia (a condition
characterized by low hemoglobin levels) because this mineral works together with iron to
form hemoglobin.
Arthritis
Animal studies suggest that oral copper supplements reduce the development and
progression of arthritis. Many people with arthritis (both rheumatoid and osteo) apply
copper solutions to their skin or wear copper bracelets in hopes of relieving pain and
inflammation associated with this joint condition. Reports of success with these methods,
however, are mixed, but one clinical study from the 1970s did show that the copper
bracelets worked better than placebo bracelets. Sweat can interfere with how well the
topical copper solutions and bracelets work.
Burns
When skin is burned, a substantial percentage of micronutrients, such as copper, selenium,
and zinc may be lost. This increases the risk for infection, slows the healing process,
prolongs the hospital stay, and even increases the risk of death. However, people with
major burns tend to lose copper more rapidly than other mineral. Although it is unclear
which micronutrients are most beneficial for people with burns, many clinical studies
suggest that a multivitamin including copper and other minerals may aid in the recovery
process.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
People with the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
cannot absorb essential vitamins and minerals, such as copper, as well as healthy
individuals. When treating IBD, clinicians often recommend a multivitamin containing
essential minerals.
In addition, inflammatory bowel disease may be related to oxidation or damage caused by
free radicals. In fact, copper levels may be low in the inflamed tissue of those with IBD,
particularly Crohn's disease.
Finally, a laboratory animal study found deficient rats in copper tend to have elevated blood
sugar levels over time, indicating a possible connection between low copper and diabetes.
A clinical study including people with diabetes, however, found very different results.
Copper levels were higher in people with diabetes compared to those without. In fact, the
higher the copper level, the more likely the person was to have complications from the
diabetes, including retinopathy (damage to the retina of the eye), high blood pressure, or
vascular disease.
Others
In one clinical study that followed over 1,600 patients with lung cancer found that dietary
zinc and copper intakes are associated with reduced risk of lung cancer. The protective
effects of dietary copper were seen in all ages, weight, and smoking.
Dietary Sources
Among the best dietary sources of copper are:
Seafood (such as oysters, squid, lobster, mussels, crab, and clams)
Organ meats (such as beef liver, kidneys, and heart)
Nuts and nut butters (such as cashews, filberts, macadamia nuts, pecans, almonds, and
pistachios)
Legumes (such as soybeans, lentils, navy beans, and peanuts)
Chocolate (such as unsweetened or semisweet baker's chocolate and cocoa)
Enriched cereals (such as bran flakes, shredded wheat, and raisin bran)
Fruits and vegetables (such as dried fruits, mushrooms, tomatoes, potatoes, sweet
potatoes, bananas, grapes, and avocado)
Blackstrap molasses
Black pepper
Available Forms
Multivitamins that include minerals generally provide copper. But, copper is also available
as an individual oral supplement. Copper can also be found as a healing bracelet, topical
gel, and in topical solutions.
How to Take It
The best way to get enough copper is through your diet. Proper absorption and metabolism
of copper requires an appropriate balance with the minerals zinc and manganese. The
following lists provide the recommended daily dietary intake of copper for children and
adults from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, part of the U.S. Deptartment of Health
and Human Services.
Pediatric
For infants from birth to 6 months: The recommended daily intake is 200 mcg.
For infants 7 - 12 months: The recommended daily intake is 220 mcg.
For children 1 - 3 years: The recommended daily intake is 340 mcg.
For children 4 - 8 years: The recommended daily intake is 440 mcg.
For children 9 - 13 years: The recommended daily intake is 700 mcg.
For children 14 - 18 years: The recommended daily intake is 890 mcg.
Copper for children should be obtained from foods. Copper supplements should not be
given to children.
Adult
For adults 19 years and older: The recommended daily intake is 900 mcg.
For pregnant females: The recommended daily intake is 1,000 mcg.
For breast-feeding females: The recommended daily intake is 1,300 mcg.
Adults taking copper supplements should also take zinc supplements (8 - 15 mg of zinc for
every 1 mg of copper) as an imbalance of these two minerals can cause other health
conditions.
Precautions
Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, dietary
supplements should be taken only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care
provider.
Excessive copper intake can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, dizziness,
weakness, diarrhea, and a metallic taste in the mouth. Copper toxicity is rare but can cause
heart problems, jaundice, coma, and even death. Do not use copper supplements if diarrhea
is present. Water containing copper concentrations greater than 6 mg/L is associated with
gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea and vomiting). If you have well water, it may be important
to get the water tested for mineral content.
Copper toxicity may occur from using copper cookware and from water supplied by copper
pipes on a regular basis. Copper can leach out of pipes into water, especially hot water, if it
sits in copper pipes for an extended period of time. It is best to always cook with cold water.
Flushing the system by running cold water for 2 - 3 minutes is an effective way to reduce
copper. Also, it is best to avoid unlined copper cookware since copper can leach into acidic
foods, such as vinegar, tomato, or citrus. If you have blue-green stains around your faucet
or sink, or if you detect a metallic taste to your water, you may want to have your water
tested by a certified laboratory.
Children and individuals with Wilson's disease, a hereditary syndrome that results in an
accumulation of copper in the brain, liver, kidneys, and eyes, should not take copper
supplements. Because high intakes of zinc and iron can impair absorption of copper, zinc
has been used to decrease copper in people suffering from of Wilson's disease.
Possible Interactions
If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use
copper supplements without first talking to your health care provider.
Birth control medications and estrogen following menopause -- Birth control medications
and estrogen replacement for post-menopausal women can increase blood levels of
copper. Therefore, copper supplements are not appropriate and may be cause for concern
in individuals taking either of these medications.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- Copper binds to NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen
and naproxen) and appears to enhance their anti-inflammatory activity.
Penicillamine -- Penicillamine (a medication used to treat Wilson's disease and rheumatoid
arthritis) reduces copper levels that may be the intended use, as in the case of Wilson's
disease.
Allopurinol -- Test tube studies suggest that allopurinol (Zyloprim), a medication used to
treat gout, may reduce copper levels.
Cimetidine -- Animal studies show that cimetidine (Tagamet), a medication used to treat
ulcers and gastric esophageal reflux disease (when acid from the stomach enters the
esophagus and causes heartburn and indigestion), may elevate copper levels in the body
leading to damage of the liver and other organs.
Nifedipine -- In a human study, a lower concentration of copper was found in red blood cells
after use of nifedipine (Procardia or Adalat).
Zinc -- Several laboratory and human studies have found that high levels of supplemental
zinc taken over extended periods of time may result in decreased copper absorption in the
intestines and copper deficiency. However, some studies in humans suggest that high
dietary zinc may not interfere with the actual tissue or plasma concentrations of copper. Ask
your health care provider if you need zinc and copper supplementation.