Rheumatoid arthritis
Copper has been a folklore remedy for rheumatoid
arthritis since 1500B.C. in ancient Egypt. Some people
believe that wearing jewelry made of copper may
relieve arthritic symptoms. To evaluate the effect of
copper for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Dr.
Walker and his colleagues conducted a study of 77
arthritic patients. Patients were divided into two
groups: treatment group wearing copper jewelry and
placebo group wearing nothing or aluminum jewelry.
In this study, patients who wore copper bracelets felt
significantly better than those in the placebo group. In
addition, patients in the treatment group reported
recurrences of symptoms after the bracelets were
removed. To explain the effects of the copper bracelets,
these researchers suggested that copper contained in
the bracelets was dissolved in sweat and then absorbed
through the skin. They suspected that copper’s effec-
tiveness may be related to its role as an antioxidant.
They also believe that copper may function as both an
anti-inflammatory agent and as an antioxidant. Thus,
it is possibly effective in reducing inflammatory
response to such conditions as rheumatoid arthritis.
Copper is contained in many multivitamin/min-
eral preparations. It is also available as a single ingre-
dient in the form of tablets. These tablets should be
swallowed whole with a cup of water, preferably with
meals, to avoid stomach upset. A person may choose
any of the following preparations: copper gluconate,
copper sulfate, or copper citrate. However, copper
gluconate may be the least irritating to the stomach.
Zinc and copper compete with each other for
absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. As a result,
excessive copper intake may cause zinc deficiency, and
vice versa. Therefore, a person should take zinc and
copper supplements together in ratios of 10:1 or 15:1.
PrecautionsThose adding copper supplements to their diets
should consider:
Informing their doctors for proper instruction and
monitoring of side effects. Copper toxicity due to
excessive doses of copper supplements has been
reported.
Although there currently is no recommended daily
allowance (RDA) established for copper, 2 mg of
copper per day is considered sufficient and safe.
Nausea and vomiting may occur in persons taking
more than 20 mg of copper daily.
It is not known if copper supplementation may harm
a growing fetus. However, as with any drugs, preg-
nant or nursing women should not take copper or
any other supplements or drugs without first con-
sulting their doctors.
In certain areas, drinking water may contain high
levels of copper. Periodic checks of copper levels in
drinking water may be necessary.
Because individual antioxidants often work together
as a team to defend the body against free radicals, the
balance between copper, zinc, and iron must be main-
tained. Excessive intake of one nutrient might result
in a deficiency of other minerals and decreased resist-
ance to infections and increased risk of heart disease,
diabetes, arthritis, and other diseases.InteractionsFactors that increase copper concentrations
Certain disorders have been known to increase
copper levels. Persons with these conditions should
not take copper supplements as they may cause copper
toxicity.
recent heart attacks
lupus erythematosus
cirrhosis of the liver
schizophrenia
leukemia and some other forms of cancer
viral infections
ulcerative colitis (This inflammatory bowel disease
may cause accumulation of copper in the body.
Excessive amount of copper may worsen many
symptoms of this disease by increasing susceptibility
to infections and inhibiting wound healing.)
Wilson’s disease (This disease causes accumulation
of copper in the tissues. As a result, patients have
liver disease, mental retardation , tremor and poor
muscle coordination. They also have copper deposits
in the cornea of the eye. To manage this disease,
patients are put on a low-copper diet and given pen-
icillamine, a drug that attaches itself to copper and
increases its excretion.)ComplicationsA person should stop taking copper supplements
and seek medical help immediately if having the fol-
lowing signs or symptoms:
anemia
nausea
vomiting
abdominal painCopper