Cebu City - Does our body need copper? What are the effects of this trace mineral?

Copper is a vital trace mineral that can be found in supplements and some foods. It helps several enzymes that aid the body to produce energy, digest and absorb iron, and create red blood cells, collagen, connective tissue, and brain neurotransmitters.

According to Harvard, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults 19+ years is 900 micrograms daily for men and women. Pregnancy and lactation in adults 19+ years requires 1,300 micrograms daily, with a slightly lower amount of 1,000 micrograms daily in younger ages 14-18 years.

The highest concentrations of copper can be found in foods abundant in protein, such as organ meats, crustaceans, fish, nuts, and seeds, as well as whole grains and chocolate.

Even though this mineral gives health benefits, one must still consider that consuming too much or less than the recommended is bad to the body. Copper deficiency is uncommon in healthy individuals and is more widespread in those who have hereditary diseases or malabsorption issues, such as Crohn's and celiac disease. Symptoms of copper deficiency include anemia, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, increased infections, and loss of skin pigment.

While copper toxicity is also rare in healthy individuals. It is only seen on persons with Wilson’s disease, a rare genetic condition, that prevents copper from exiting the body that may lead to higher concentration of copper in the blood. // PDO I Noah Vincent D. Gallo, RND, MSPH

Source:
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/copper/