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DESCRIPTION
Copper is an essential trace mineral needed for good health and wellness. Small amounts of copper is essential for life and for the human body. A number of biochemical processes depend on copper to function properly, plus copper is involved in the function of the nervous system. The liver and brain contain the largest amounts of copper in the body. Other organs contain smaller amounts.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Copper Deficiency
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Too much copper in the system can cause a variety of ailments, including:
Diarrhea.
High systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Nausea.
Eczema.
Tender calf muscles. Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Kidney disease.
Premenstrual syndrome.
Sickle cell anemia.
Stomach pain.
Hemolytic anemia.
Weakness.
Severe damage to the central nervous system.
Constant fatigue.
Insomnia (frequent difficulty falling asleep, unsound sleep).
Hair loss.
However, as with all trace minerals, excess amounts of copper in the body can be toxic. As with mercury and lead, high levels of copper are also associated with mental and emotional disorders.
CONDITIONS THAT SUGGEST COPPER TOXICITY
Ulcerative colitis: excess copper may be absorbed in the intestinal tissues which lead to intestinal disorders, impaired healing and reduced resistance to infections.
Mental, Behavioral & Emotional Disorders: Mood swings, clinical and postpartum depression and psychological problems, hallucinatory and paranoid schizophrenia, and tinnitus. Hyperactivity. Childhood hyperactivity. Irritability. Autism. Short-term memory failure, stuttering, trouble concentrating. Senility and senile dementia.
Metabolic Disorders: Hypoglycemia, headaches.
Uro-Genital Disorders: Premenstrual syndrome. Estrogen results in increased copper absorption. Eclampsia/Preeclampsia may be associated with copper toxicity.
CAUSES
Copper is a heavy metal that is toxic in the unbound form. Almost all of the copper in the body is bound to proteins, thereby reducing the concentration of unbound copper ions to almost zero. Most diets contain enough copper (2-5 mg) to prevent a deficiency and not enough to cause toxicity. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that 10-12 mg per day may be the upper safe limit for consumption. If as little as 2 grams of copper salt are ingested, usually with suicidal intent, the resulting copper-induced hemolytic anemia and kidney damage are generally fatal.
Copper toxicity is usually due to:
- Excessive supplementation or low levels of other necessary nutrients. Low levels of zinc will result in raised levels of copper. The exact mechanism by which molybdenum prevents copper toxicity is poorly understood. However, it is known that an insoluble complex of copper and molybdenum can be formed in the gastrointestinal tract thus reducing copper absorption. This theory is substantiated by the fact that increasing dietary copper is an effective treatment of molybdenum toxicity.
- The increasingly common problems of low levels of zinc in the diet. Copper and zinc compete with each other for absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with ulcerative colitis may absorb excess copper in their intestinal tissues which can lead to intestinal disorders, impaired healing and reduced resistance to infections.
Copper toxicity has been the subject of greater concern in recent years. This is primarily due to reduced zinc in the diet and the switch from galvanized to copper water pipes. Acidic water such as rain water, left standing in copper plumbing pipes, can be a source of toxicity when consumed.
Molybdenum deficiency in the diet may be a risk factor for copper toxicity. The exact mechanism by which molybdenum prevents copper toxicity is poorly understood, however, it is known that an insoluble complex of copper and molybdenum can be formed in the gastrointestinal tract thus reducing copper absorption. This theory is substantiated by the fact that increasing the dietary copper is an effective treatment of molybdenum toxicity.
- Contaminated food and drinking water due to contact with metallic copper. Sources of copper include beer, tap water, and pasteurized milk, and various foods. An acidic food or beverage can dissolve milligram quantities of copper sufficient enough to cause acute toxicity and symptoms. Copper cookware, copper cooking utensils, all contribute to contamination of foods and drinking water.
- External exposures such as industrial wastes, using a copper IUD contraceptive device, accidental agricultural overspray (pesticides, herbicides, insecticides), swimming pool chemicals, and permanent wave hair solutions. Tobacco use can cause a rise in the amount of copper in the body.
- Elevated levels of estrogens. Low progesterone or estrogen dominance is a risk factor for copper toxicity. Elevated estrogen levels often increase the serum copper levels to more than double normal values, while at the same time red blood cell levels, where copper is important, may actually be lower. This may contribute to some of the psychological or other symptoms seen during pregnancy. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives (birth control pills) contributes to the rise in the amount of serum copper in the body.
TREATMENT
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
NORMAL LEVELS OF COPPER IN THE DIET
The FDA has never established a Recommended Daily Allowance for copper, but the National Research Council recommends that adults get from 1.5 to 3.0 mg per day, 1.5 to 2.5 for children, and 0.4 to 0.6 mg for infants less than 6 months old. A normal healthy diet will provide the correct amount of copper for most people.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Copper levels can be determined through blood tests, urine samples, and hair analysis. The best means of testing for copper toxicity are the 24 hour urine test or the copper or serum ceruloplasmin level tests.
Normal urine samples collected over a 24 hour period contain 15 to 40 micrograms (mcg) of copper. Red blood cell copper levels may be a good test to measure increased copper levels as well. In people with diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, hypertension, schizophrenia, or cancer, serum copper levels tend to be high. During illness, copper is released from the tissues into the blood stream to promote tissue repair. High serum copper readings during illness should not be taken to mean that the copper is a cause of the illness; rather, it is an indication that the body's natural repair processes have been activated.
CERULOPLASMIN BLOOD TEST
Definition: Ceruloplasmin is a test that measures the amount of ceruloplasmin (a copper-containing protein) in blood serum.
How the Test is Performed: Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic. An elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause the vein to swell with blood. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight red top vacutainer tube, vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Between 1 ml to 0.1 ml of serum is needed for the test procedure once the blood cells have been separated from the serum. Usually about 3-5 ml of whole blood is collected during a normal blood draw. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, the area is cleansed with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. A bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any bleeding.
The red vacutainer tube should be chilled prior to blood draw. Once drawn the blood specimen is immediately put on ice and sent to the lab for testing. If the sample is to be stored frozen, the specimen will need to be spun down in a centrifuge to separate the blood cells from the serum. The serum is drawn off and put into a storage vial and either put on dry ice for shipment or put into a -70C freezer until ready to use. If the test is to be done right away, the specimen needs to be refrigerated until testing. The refrigerated sample is stable for up to 3 days. The frozen sample for up to 4 weeks. Storage at room temperature for longer than 8 hours leads to decreased levels and inaccurate results. The normal ceruloplasmin reference level is for Males: 16.2-35.6 mg/dl and for females: 17.9-53.3 mg/dl. A normal ceruloplasmin does not rule out Wilson disease. Serum copper should be measured in addition.
How to Prepare for the Test: No fasting or other preparation is usually needed.
How the Test Will Feel: When the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the Test is Performed: This test may be performed when disorders of copper metabolism or storage are suspected. Ceruloplasmin is the major copper-containing protein in plasma.
What Abnormal Results Mean:
Lower-than-normal ceruloplasmin levels may indicate:Menkes' syndrome (Menkes' kinky hair syndrome) -- very rare
Greater-than-normal ceruloplasmin levels may indicate:
Wilson's copper storage disease (rare)Pregnancy
Risks:
Lymphoma
Acute and chronic infections
Rheumatoid arthritis
Excessive bleeding
Considerations: Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Fainting or feeling light-headed
Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Multiple punctures to locate veins
The use of oral contraceptives and/or tobacco can cause a rise in the amount of copper in the body. Excess serum copper is also characteristic of anemia, cirrhosis of the liver, leukemia, hypoproteinemia, and vitamin B-3 (niacin) deficiency. Serum copper levels during pregnancy tend to be higher than normal as well. Wilson's disease is a rare hereditary disorder in which the body is unable to metabolize copper properly, so the metal accumulates in the body.
Hair analysis has been shown to be a reliable test of the copper level in body tissues.
THERAPY FOR COPPER TOXICITY
Heavy Metal Detoxification (Chelation): If copper levels are very high, treatment with DMSA, penicillamine or EDTA may be needed.Chelating Drug For Copper Salts:
Dimercaprol (10% in oil)
Dosage:
Day 1 3-4 mg/kg via deep IM injection, every 4 hours.
Day 2 1.2 mg/kg IM every 4 hours.
Day 3 3 mg/kg IM every 6 hours.
For 7-10 Days Until Recovery: 3 mg/kg IM every 12 hours.
Chelating Drug For Copper Salts:
Penicillamine
Dosage:
20-30 mg/kg per day in 3-4 divided dosages (usual starting dosage is 250 mg 4 times daily) to a maximum adult dose of 2 g per day.
Amino Acid/Protein: Methionine is a useful treatment for copper poisoning and for lowering serum copper.
Mineral Therapy: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), zinc and manganese all interfere with copper absorption. Since high levels of copper in the body or diet may result in molybdenum insufficiency and cause low uric acid levels, reducing copper toxicity can result in normalizing uric acid and molybdenum levels. Intake of molybdenum at doses as low as 0.54 mg per day has been associated with an increased loss of copper in the urine.
Vitamin Therapy: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), see mineral therapy. Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) at a daily dose of 50 mg daily without supplemental copper is suggested to increase copper excretion.
CONSIDERATIONS
Hair analysis can be used to determine levels of copper in the body. With knowledge of how minerals interact in the body, it is possible to lower the amount of copper in the body and maintain a proper mineral balance.
If you have an extremely high level of copper, you may require medical treatment with Chelation Therapy which removes toxic metals from the body and can be used to remove excess copper. If the copper levels are higher than normal, but not extreme, this can often be managed with supplements.
If copper levels are very high, treatment with DMSA, penicillamine or EDTA may be needed.
The trace minerals manganese, molybdenum, and zinc can prevent excess copper from accumulating in the body.
Many people with schizophrenia have been found to have high levels of copper and iron, combined with deficiencies of zinc and manganese, probably as a result of lower than normal excretion of copper. Increasing the intake of zinc and manganese, whether through the diet or supplementation, increases elimination of copper and helps return copper levels to normal.
See Environmental Toxicity and Wilson's Disease for more information on these subjects.
HERBAL & HOLISTIC RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
If you suspect that you have a copper toxicity or high levels of copper, decrease your intake of foods rich in copper, such as legumes (especially soybeans), nuts, cocoa, black pepper, seafood, raisins, molasses, avocados, whole grains, and cauliflower.
Have your drinking water tested. Drinking water can be a source of copper. The level of copper and other minerals in household drinking water can be tested by special labs. If there is more than 1 part per million of copper in your drinking water, an alternate source of water, such as bottled water, is advisable. If this is not feasible, always run the water at lease 2 minutes to clear out some of the impurities.
Increase your intake of sulfur, found in such foods as eggs, onions, and garlic. These help to rid the body of copper. In addition, supplement your diet with pectin, which can be found in apples.
Do not take a multivitamin and/or mineral supplement that contains copper.
Do not use copper pots or other cooking utensils.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Unless otherwise specified, the following recommended doses are for adults over the age of 18. For a child between 12 and 17 years, reduce the dose to 3/4 the recommended dose. For a child between 6 and 12 years old, use 1/2 the recommended dose, and for a child under 6, use 1/4 the recommended dose.
NUTRIENTS Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Important Vitamin C With Bioflavonoids 1,000 mg 4 times daily. Copper chelators. Use ascorbic acid form.
Vitamin C Liquid w/ Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, Dynamic Health, 1000 mg, 16 fl. oz.,
Ester C With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 90 Tabs,
Vitamin C 1000 With Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 VCaps,
The Right C, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 120 TabsPlus
Rutin60 mg daily. A bioflavonoid that is byproduct of buckwheat and lowers serum copper. Zinc 50-80 mg daily. Do not exceed a total of 100 mg daily from all supplements. Needed to balance with copper. A zinc deficiency predisposes one to excessive copper levels. Use zinc chelate form.
Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Colloidal Silver & Zinc Lozenges, Silva Solution, 90 Lozenges,
Zinc Lozenges W/ Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges,
Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Zinc (Chelated), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 30 mg, 100 CapsHelpful Calcium 1,500 mg daily. Binds with metallic ions in the body.
Cal-Mag Pre-Chelated Calcium & Magnesium, Vital Earth, 240 GelcapsOr
Calcium Disodium EdetateAs prescribed by health care provider. Used by health care providers to treat heavy metal poisoning. Available by prescription only. Magnesium 750 mg daily, at bedtime. Works with calcium.
Magnesium Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 350 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
Cal-Mag Pre-Chelated Calcium & Magnesium, Vital Earth, 240 GelcapsL-Cysteine
And
L-Cystine
L-MethionineAs directed on label, on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice. Do not take with milk. Take with 50 mg vitamin B-6 and 100 mg vitamin C for better absorption. Aids in elimination of copper from the body and protects the liver.
L-Cysteine Structural Support, With Vitamin B-6 & C, Vegetarian, NOW Foods, 500 mg, 100 Tabs,
L-Methionine, 500 Mg, With B-6, 10 mg, 100 Caps,Manganese 2-4 mg daily. Take separately from calcium. Aids in excretion of excess copper.
Manganese Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 30 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,Molybdenum 30 mcg daily. Prevents accumulation of excess copper in the body.
Molybdenum Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 10 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.,
DETOXIFYING SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Information and supplements to help with environmental toxicity.
Detox Foot Pads, 10 Detox Foot Patches Per Box
The BodyPure brand detox foot pads are the most effective, 100% natural detox foot patches available. This detox pad has been the number one selling detox foot patch in Japan 12 times in a row! The Japanese and now many Americans have are using these detox foot patches to cleanse the body of unwanted toxins. These foot patches literally suck the toxins out of the body to help the body function better. Removing body toxins helps support liver function, and helps combat fatigue, attention deficit, allergies, and poor circulation, while increasing metabolism and enhancing sleep. Any time you can remove unwanted toxins from your body you support your body's wellbeing. These detox foot patches are designed to maximize the removal of toxins in the body. They are easy to use, and work quickly.
Suggested Use: One self sticking detox foot patch is applied to each foot nightly for five days, and then repeated for 5 day periods for up to thirty days. For continued maintenance cleansing a foot patches may be applied one to two times per week. Patches may be applied on the heal, center or front of the foot. Best when used at night when sleeping. Complete application instructions and use are included in each box.
1) The visual evidence of removed toxins is apparent after each application of the detox foot patch. The physical progress is apparent when used over a few consecutive days.
2) Samples used detox pads were sent to SRC Analytical Lab, a highly accredited Environmental Laboratory. Their test results showed that the detox foot pads absorbed Nickel, Arsenic and Mercury into the pads.
3) Multiple detox pads removed from various individuals were analyzed by using a syncrometer. The syncrometer is an electronic device used to detect numerous toxic substances. The following toxins have been identified in the used detox pads: benzene, isopropyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, aluminum, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, thallium, arsenic, asbestos, DAB dye, fast green dye, sudan black dye and PCB (plastic byproduct).
4) Extensive research in Japan has been conducted with the use of Thermography (infrared technology). The detox foot pads have been tested for their ability to stimulate circulation by means of these thermographic sensors.
5) Further research was conducted on the healing and relaxation properties of the BodyPure pads through measurement of alpha brain waves.
HerbalRemedies: Environmental Toxicity Information
HerbalRemedies: Environmental Toxicity supplements & Products
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You have a copper toxicity or suspect a copper toxicity and may need professional consultation and hair analysis testing for verification.
You have any increase of symptoms or other signs of copper toxicity.
You have any unexpected or unusual symptoms. Some people may have sensitivity, allergies, or other health conditions which would prevent them from using certain herbs or other treatments.
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