Copper is an essential nutrient for your health, but too much of it can be harmful. Copper toxicity can lead to serious health issues. Here are the signs of copper toxicity and how you can bring your copper levels back to normal.
What is Copper and Why Do We Need It?
Copper is vital for bone health, energy production, and red blood cell development. It works with iron to transport oxygen in your body. The normal range for copper levels in the blood is 70 to 140 mcg/dL.
Foods That Contain Copper
Copper can be found in foods like beans, nuts, seafood, dark chocolate, liver, and mushrooms.
What can cause copper toxicity?
Copper toxicity can be caused by water contamination, copper-containing creams, and Wilson’s disease. Long-term toxicity can be fatal, causing damage to kidneys, liver, heart, and brain.
Signs of copper toxicity
Signs of copper toxicity include headaches, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and more. Long-term toxicity can be damaging and even fatal.
The Role of Zinc in Copper Absorption
Zinc helps regulate copper levels in the body. Zinc supplementation can restore normal copper levels, but excessive zinc can lead to copper deficiency.
Foods That Are High in Zinc
Foods high in zinc include meat, seafood, dairy, nuts, and whole grains.
The Bottom Line
Copper toxicity is rare, but it’s important to be aware of the signs. Zinc can help balance copper levels, but too much zinc can cause copper deficiency. Maintain a healthy diet to ensure balanced copper and zinc levels. Consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
Sources
- “Copper.” Oregon State
- “Total Copper (Blood).” Rochester
- “Copper Toxicity.” NCBI. Amor Royer and Tariq Sharman. March 26, 2022.
- “A Literature Review of the Effects of Copper Intrauterine Devices on Blood Copper Levels in Humans.” Science Direct Lena Crandell and Natalie Mohler. February 2021.
- “Effects of zinc supplementation on plasma copper/zinc ratios, oxidative stress, and immunological status in hemodialysis patients” International Journal of Medical Sciences. 2013
- “Zinc.” NIH