Copper and health

Copper is a natural element that is essential to living organisms.

Humans require to intake copper daily in order to prevent health risks associated to a deficiency of this element. According to results of scientific research, copper is necessary for several biochemical processes, for the adequate functioning of the nervous system, for the synthesis of collagen and to maintain the balance of other essential elements.

The main source of copper for the organism is food. Potatoes, some grains, nuts, peaches, oysters and chocolate are rich sources of this element.

Copper comes from the earth´s crust, is present at low levels in water, and can also be found at higher levels in foods prepared in copper vessels.

In general, the recommended intake is of 1 to 2 milligrams of copper a day for adults, and half of that for children. It is not much, yet a large part of the world population has a diet that is copper deficient, particularly in developed countries, which may lead to health problems.

Copper excess may produce short term effects, such as nausea and vomits, which disappear after withdrawing the metal. In some cases, genetic diseases such as Wilson´s disease, may lead to more complex toxic effects.

Permanent research efforts are carried out to better understand the role of copper in the body.

One of the issues that is studied is the effect of copper pipes on the dose of copper consumed by people through the drinking water.

These studies have shown that copper pipes may release small amounts of copper during the first and second year after they are put in place, while they develop a protective layer.

But this very limited release is not enough to cause problems to consumers, unless there are are additional and are conditions such as Wilson´s disease. On the contrary, it has been shown that copper pipes help to maintain a cleaner water supply, since the metal has bactericidal properties.

As the properties of copper are better understood, the perception of its impact on humans will also evolve. Today, the overall risk of copper deficiency is higher than that of exposure to an excess.