The first recorded use of copper dates back to 1867 when it was discovered that during three separate cholera outbreaks in 1800s Paris, copper workers seemed to be immune to the disease. In the same time period, French physician Luton incorporated copper into his treatments for patients with arthritis. The use of copper as a treatment for tuberculosis persisted until the 1940s.

More recently, studies involving mice in the United States demonstrated that using various copper complexes to treat tumours resulted in a significant decrease in tumour growth and an increase in survival rates. It is important to note that these copper complexes did not destroy the cancer cells, but instead prompted them to revert to normal cells. Finnish and German medical researchers have successfully employed copper chloride and sodium salicylate in treating patients with rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, and issues related to the neck, back, and sciatica.

Copper is an essential trace mineral vital for human survival. It is present in all body tissues and contributes to the formation of red blood cells, the maintenance of nerve cells, and the immune system. Additionally, copper is involved in collagen formation, iron absorption, and energy production.

The majority of copper in the body is located in the liver, brain, heart, kidneys, and skeletal muscles. Both excessive and insufficient copper levels can impact brain function and have been associated with Menkes, Wilson’s, and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Copper deficiency is rare but can lead to cardiovascular disease and other health issues. Although necessary for various bodily functions, copper deficiency typically occurs only in specific conditions, such as Menkes disease. Copper supplements are generally not required and may result in an imbalance.

A copper imbalance has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. It is advisable for anyone considering copper supplements to consult a doctor first.

Health Benefits

Copper supplements are generally not necessary for a healthy individual with a balanced diet. Copper is an essential nutrient for the body, and along with iron, it helps form red blood cells. It also supports healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves, immune function, and contributes to iron absorption. A diet with adequate copper may help prevent cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

Cardiovascular Health

Low copper levels have been associated with high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Some researchers suggest that certain patients with heart failure might benefit from copper supplements. Although animal studies have linked low copper levels to cardiovascular disease (CVD), it remains uncertain if a deficiency would have the same impact on humans.

Neuron Signaling

In 2016, Prof. Chris Chang, a chemist and part of the Sackler Sabbatical Exchange Program at Berkeley, California, developed and used a fluorescent probe to track the movement of copper in and out of nerve cells. Prof. Chang explains that copper acts like a “brake or dimmer switch” for each nerve cell. His team discovered that when high amounts of copper enter a cell, it appears to reduce neuron signaling. As copper levels in the cell decrease, signalling resumes.

Immune Function

A deficiency in copper can lead to neutropenia, a condition characterized by low levels of white blood cells, or neutrophils, which fight off infections. Individuals with low neutrophil levels are more susceptible to infectious diseases.

Osteoporosis

Severe copper deficiency is linked to lower bone mineral density and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Further research is required to understand the effects of marginal copper deficiency on bone health and the potential benefits of copper supplementation in preventing and managing osteoporosis.

Collagen Production

Copper plays a crucial role in maintaining collagen and elastin, the primary structural components of our bodies. Scientists believe that copper may have antioxidant properties and, along with other antioxidants, a healthy intake may help prevent skin aging. Without adequate copper, the body cannot repair damaged connective tissue or the collagen that forms the structural framework for bones. This can lead to various issues, including joint dysfunction, as body tissues begin to deteriorate.

Arthritis

Animal studies suggest that copper may help prevent or delay arthritis. Some people wear copper bracelets for this purpose, but no human studies have confirmed this benefit.

Antioxidant Action

Copper may also function as an antioxidant, potentially reducing the production of free radicals. Free radicals can damage cells and DNA, resulting in cancer and other diseases.

Symptoms of Copper Deficiencies These include:

• Genetic defects in copper metabolism
• Absorption problems
• Excessive intake of zinc or vitamin C supplements
• Certain conditions, such as central nervous system (CNS) demyelination, polyneuropathy, myelopathy, and optic nerve inflammation

Since copper is stored in the liver, deficiencies develop slowly over time.

Zinc and Vitamin C A high intake of zinc (150 mg a day or more) and vitamin C (over 1,500 mg a day) may lead to copper deficiency, as they compete with copper for absorption in the intestine.

Effects of Deficiency Low levels of copper can result in:

• Anemia
• Low body temperature
• Osteoporosis
• Bone fractures
• Loss of skin pigmentation
• Thyroid problems

Metabolic diseases can impact the body’s absorption of vitamins and minerals.

Menkes Disease

Menkes disease is an X-linked recessive disorder that negatively affects the brain’s copper metabolism. This can cause failure to thrive and neurodevelopmental delays in infants from around 6 to 8 weeks of age. A child with this disease may not survive past the age of 3. Subcutaneous copper injections can help normalize blood copper levels, but the normalization of brain copper levels depends on the type of genetic mutation involved. One clinical trial found that treating infants before symptoms appear may improve gross motor skills, fine motor and adaptive skills, personal and social skills, language neurodevelopment, and growth.

Other Effects of Copper Deficiency Copper deficiency has also been linked to:

• An increased risk of infection
• Osteoporosis
• Depigmentation of hair and skin
• Anemia, as copper contributes to red blood cell formation

The Brain and the Nervous System Both insufficient and excessive copper can damage brain tissue. In adults, neurodegeneration has been observed as a result of a copper imbalance, which may be due to problems with the mechanisms involved in metabolizing copper for use in the brain. High levels of copper can lead to oxidative damage in the brain. In Wilson’s disease, for example, high levels of copper accumulate in the liver, brain, and other vital organs.

Possible Link with Alzheimer’s Excessive copper accumulation has also been associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Prof. Chang and colleagues hypothesize that when copper accumulates in unusual ways, it may cause amyloid plaques to build up on nerve cells. A buildup of amyloid plaques can lead to Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Topical Copper Benefits Topically applied copper has numerous benefits for the skin, including promoting healing, collagen production, slowing down aging, and improving thread veins, elasticity, tone, and flexibility of the skin.

Colloidal copper is easily absorbed through the skin and offers numerous benefits:

1. Acts as an anti-wrinkle agent
2. Reduces and prevents crow’s feet
3. Oxygenates the skin
4. Helps retain moisture
5. Serves as a potent antioxidant
6. Stimulates collagen and elastin production
7. Promotes healthy skin
8. Provides a tightening effect on the skin
9. Firms and prevents sagging
10. Encourages cellular regeneration

Warning Copper deficiencies are rare but can occur. Do not take copper if you are using any contraceptive device or pill. As a precaution, we at Bio Mineral Balance recommend using copper for topical purposes only. If you decide to use it orally, please consult a doctor or medical professional before taking it and/or have a heavy metal test to check your copper levels before ingesting.