What is copper?

Copper is an essential trace mineral, meaning that we need it to live but only in small amounts.

Why do we need copper?

Production of red blood cells

Copper is essential to make red blood cells and help our body to absorb iron.

Immune system

Copper is needed to maintain a healthy immune system and help white blood cells to neutralise pathogens (1).

Nervous system

Neurones need cooper to function. Cooper is also used by enzymes that control neurotransmitters (2).

Recommended Daily Allowance for copper

Recommended Daily Allowance for a 44-year-old male moderately active, weighting 70 kg and 175 cm tall is 0.9 mg and the Tolerable Upper Intake is 10 mg (3).

Do you want to know your personal recommendations ?

Copper deficiency

Copper deficiency may cause the following:

• Anaemia (iron deficiency)
• Weakness
• Week immune system and decrease in white blood cells
• Osteoporosis
• Neurological disorders (2)

What are the risks of too much copper?

Too much copper is toxic and can be fatal. It is associated with many side effects including:

• Increase risk of neurodegenerative diseases (4)
• Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
• Jaundice
• Kidney damage
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Coma