Copper: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Cu
Family or group:
Minerals and trace elements
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Copper deficiency ✪✪✪✪✪
Although rare, copper deficiencies have been observed in conditions likely to reduce copper absorption, such as gastric bypass surgery, the simultaneous use of proton pump inhibitors, or with excessive zinc intake. This deficiency manifests as anemia, leukopenia and neutropenia, bone fragility, growth delays, and increased susceptibility to infections. EFSA has defined the average daily intake level for copper as 1.3 mg/day and a maximum chronic daily intake of 5 mg/day for adults over 18 years of age.
Posologie
Oral
1.3 - 5 mg
Copper citrate, copper gluconate, copper sulfate, copper bisglycinate
Hair beauty ✪✪✪✪✪
Copper appears 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 assessing copper levels in the hair itself (in men with androgenetic alopecia) noted reduced concentrations compared with those who are not losing their hair. EFSA (European Food Safety Authority and the European Commission) has highlighted the role of copper in the pigmentation of skin and hair.
Posologie
Orally
2.5 - 5 mg
Copper citrate, copper gluconate, copper sulfate, copper bisglycinate
Immune support ✪✪✪✪✪
It is known that copper plays an important role in several cellular signaling pathways that are important for the immunological function of macrophages. In macrophages activated by inflammatory cytokines, copper levels tend to increase, while copper deficiency has been shown to impair their immune function. In addition, copper deficiency in animals has been correlated with increased susceptibility to bacterial infections. The mechanism by which copper enhances macrophage immune responses 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. The oxidative burst inside phagosomes generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are toxic to pathogens and kill invading microbes while protecting the rest of the cell from damage. It was recently discovered that copper plays an important role in this process: high intracellular copper levels in macrophages cause the copper-transporting protein ATP7A to relocate to phagosomes, supplying 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. Furthermore, EFSA (European Food Safety Authority and the European Commission) recognize the role of copper in the functioning of the immune system.
Posologie
Oral administration
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 anemias and iron deficiency.nn
Posologie
Oral administration
2.5 - 5 mg
Copper citrate, copper gluconate, copper sulfate, copper bisglycinate
Synergies
Oxidative stress ✪✪✪✪✪
Copper is a very important cofactor for enzymes that catalyze redox reactions (a chemical reaction during which an electron transfer occurs). Among the most important enzymes are the copper-zinc superoxide dismutases (Cu,Zn-SOD), where copper works in harmony with zinc to convert toxic superoxides into non-toxic peroxides.nn
Posologie
Oral administration
2.5 - 5 mg
Copper citrate, copper gluconate, copper sulfate, copper bisglycinate
Dental plaque ✪✪✪✪✪
Rinsing the mouth with a 1 mmol/L copper solution for 4 days significantly reduced dental plaque compared with a placebo treatment.
Posologie
Orally
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 for 2 years may slow bone loss in postmenopausal women.
Posologie
Orally
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 concluded that foods and food supplements containing copper can contribute to: energy metabolism, the maintenance of connective tissue, the functioning of the nervous system, the pigmentation of the skin and hair, the transport of iron in the blood, the functioning of the immune system and protection against free radicals (antioxidant effect). Copper is a cofactor of multiple enzymes, including notably: - Lysyl oxidase, an enzyme necessary for the maturation of collagen and elastin. Copper therefore plays a major role in the growth and tissue repair of blood 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 propensity to induce lipid peroxidation (pro-oxidant and toxic effect of iron). - Dopamine beta-hydroxylase, whose activity is induced by copper, and which contributes to protection against stress. - Tyrosinase, whose activity is induced by copper, and which plays a role in the pigmentation of the skin and hair.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
Copper is a very important cofactor of enzymes that catalyze redox reactions (a chemical reaction during which an 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 should be noted that SOD reduces oxidative damage, and therefore helps fight tissue aging.
Usages associés
Antimicrobial
Copper deficiency in animals has been correlated with increased susceptibility to bacterial infections. The mechanism by which copper enhances the immune response of macrophages has only been discovered recently. 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. Additionally, copper has recently been shown to be effective in fighting hospital-acquired 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 may lead to increased levels of free copper in the brain, which can increase 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 appears to promote the proliferation of dermal papilla cells while promoting the growth and elongation of human hair follicles.
Usages associés
Remineralizing
In elderly women, trace element supplementation, including copper, in a calcium-rich diet results in a slowing of bone loss. However, the mechanism of action is not clear, as other studies in humans do not suggest any effect of copper on various markers of bone metabolism, including serum osteocalcin (a marker of bone formation).
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adults 18 years and older: 1.3 mg - 5 mg
Child from 3 to 3 years: 1 mg - 1 mg
Children 11 to 17 years: 1.1 mg - 4 mg
Children 4 to 6 years: 1 mg - 2 mg
Children 7 to 9 years: 1 mg - 3 mg
Breastfeeding women 18 years and older: 1.5 mg
The maximum chronic daily intake is not defined by EFSA.
Pregnant women 18 years and older: 1.5 mg
The maximum chronic daily intake is not defined by EFSA.
Infants 7 to 11 months: 0.4 mg
The maximum chronic daily intake is not defined by EFSA.
Children 1 to 2 years: 0.7 mg - 1 mg
Children 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: minor interaction
The acidity of vitamin C can convert copper in the intestine into a less absorbable form. It is unlikely that this is clinically significant unless dietary copper intake is low.
Copper: moderate interaction
Large amounts of zinc can inhibit copper absorption due to competition for absorption in the intestine. Toxic levels of zinc intake can cause significant copper deficiency and the associated anemia. Similarly, relatively large amounts of copper can reduce zinc absorption, although this appears to occur more prominently in infants than in adults.
Contraindications
Wilson's disease: contraindicated
Taking copper supplements is contraindicated in Wilson's disease, a rare genetic disorder that causes copper to accumulate in the body.
