Copper is an essential trace mineral and is required for several days to day bodily functions. But we need it in very small quantities. Though it is rare to occur, too much copper can lead to copper toxicity marked by several adverse symptoms. Apart from that, certain inherited conditions such as Wilson’s disease may also result in excess copper buildup in the body. Therefore it is not recommended to add excess copper to your diet without consulting a healthcare expert.
Common symptoms and risks associated with too much copper
Too much copper may ill effect on the body, the symptoms of which may include nausea, vomiting, stomachache, headaches, dizziness and a metallic taste in your mouth. In case you have developed copper toxicity, it may then lead to heart problems, jaundice, coma and even death. Using copper cookware for day to day cooking or drinking water coming from copper pipelines may also lead to copper toxicity. In order to avoid this situation, try using copper cookware which is lined on the inside and also gets the water checked for copper content.
Importance of copper
Though too much copper is harmful to the body, it is still an essential mineral required by the body to perform various day to day bodily functions. Copper is required along with iron to help with the formation of red blood cells, production of melanin, myelin sheath and collagen. The antioxidant properties of copper help in nullifying the effect of free radicals which are responsible for the occurrence of cancer, premature aging and various other health conditions. The not so common symptoms of copper deficiency may include but are not restricted to osteoporosis, anemia, thyroid disorders and low body temperature.