Copper

[Sylvia22]

Does anyone on here take a copper supplement. Read an article today that says 85% of copper in crops is now missing.

[helvella Administrator]

Even if it is true, is 85% of the copper missing from the crops you consume?

We also have exposure to copper via water pipes, taps and goodness knows what else.

The best answer is for you find out where you are by getting tested. Otherwise, any supplementation is just a guess.

[bagpuss61]

Everyone is already inundated with trace mineral copper and industrialized copper, coming from both our food and environmental pollution.

[greygoose]

Copper and zinc need to be balanced. So, best to get them both tested at the same time. Hypos are usually low in one and high in the other - usually low in zinc - so taking even more copper would be horrible! Nasty side-effects. Just take the one you're low in, and it will bring the other one down.

[humanbean]

I have tested my copper and zinc at the same time - just the once because it wasn't cheap - and I turned out to be a classic hypo. My copper was over the range, although not dramatically so. My zinc was fairly low in range.

[wellness1 in reply to humanbean]

were you supplementing zinc at thetime of testing?

[humanbean in reply to wellness1]

No. I have supplemented zinc occasionally since then, but I don't take a big dose.

[CG12345]

If you are low in copper, you can get a good dose of it but having a table spoon of cacao powder a day. Really amazing health benefits all round and tastes like it’s a treat! Careful to get cacao and not cocoa though!

[Serendipitious]

Sylvia22,

I've just had my minerals tested and found that copper was at a decent level and zinc was below range. I was eating organic chicken liver every now and again which is a good source of copper. So now I am supplementing zinc combined with copper just to ensure they remain balanced. I've not had chicken liver for some time now.

So chicken liver is a good source of copper. Somebody recommended cacao. It’s nice and tasty but I personally find it very strong and stimulating due to the high caffeine content. Just something to be aware of.

[Sylvia22]

Thanks everyone for your help.

[LAHs]

Here are 8 foods high in copper.

Liver. Organ meats — such as liver — are extremely nutritious. ...

Oysters. Oysters are a type of shellfish often considered a delicacy. ...

Spirulina. ...

Shiitake Mushrooms. ...

Nuts and Seeds. ...

Lobster. ...

Leafy Greens. ...

Dark Chocolate.

[Sylvia22 in reply to LAHs]

I eat several things on the list so think copper levels should be ok. Thank you