Health Effects of Copper Jewelry

I make and wear copper jewelry because I love copper's color and malleability. Many of the websites that sell copper jewelry tout its health benefits, particularly regarding arthritis, but very few provide references for their claims, much less present opposing viewpoints. Therefore, I conducted a series of literature searches for information about health benefits and risks of copper. Some of my references seem fairly one-side concerning the health impact of copper (copper associations, jewelry designers), but others present both positive and negative effects (WebMD, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry). I have listed books that discuss the effects of copper on health, located just below the Internet references, with links to Amazon for further information. The bottom line: Copper is essential for good health, so if you are deficient in copper (e.g., taking high doses of vitamin C or zinc or have a diet lacking copper-containing foods), wearing copper jewelry may offer health benefits (bones, joints, circulatory system, nervous system). Unless you have a rare metabolic disorder or are exposed to high levels of copper (have copper plumbing or live near a copper mine or foundry), wearing copper jewelry is unlikely to cause harm. Although your body is good at blocking too-high levels of copper, intentionally ingesting high doses of copper can have serious health consequences.

Summary of Information

• Copper is an essential nutrient, particularly important during fetal development.
• Copper deficiency is more common than copper toxicity, although both conditions are possible.
• Copper is vital for collagen formation, which means that copper is essential for bone formation and repair, skin formation and repair, and growth/maintenance of many other tissues incorporating collagen.
• Copper is crucial for nervous system development and is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters.
• Copper is involved in maintaining the balance of other metals in the body, such as zinc and molybdenum.
• Copper is necessary for maintaining the elasticity of blood vessels.
• Copper is important for proper functioning of the immune system
• In addition to the activities listed above, copper participates in many other enzymatic chemical reactions in the body (e.g., activation of melanin, absorption of iron, free radical neutralization).
• Too much copper can damage the liver and kidneys.
• Vitamin C and zinc inhibit the body's absorption of copper.

How Does Copper Enter the Body?

• If you have copper plumbing, most of your exposure is probably from your water. This is especially true if your water is corrosive (i.e., you don't have scale buildup). Letting the faucet run for 15-30 seconds will purge most of the copper from the lines (as well as harmful lead from solder and fixtures).
• Copper is found in many foods, including shellfish, liver, nuts, red wine and chocolate.
• You can absorb copper through the air you breathe.
• You can absorb copper across your skin when it is present in the air, water, soil, or jewelry.
• Certain household and gardening chemicals contain copper, such as fungicides and algae control products. You can be exposed through skin contact or by breathing vapors.

Internet References

• Are Copper Bangles Good for You? Just Eat Better! - Life Extension Foundation looks at the health effects of copper bracelets.
• BBC News: Copper Vital to Development - The BBC reports on a study indicating that a genetic defect in copper metabolism may lead to some miscarriages.
• Copper and Your Health - Although the main purpose of this article is to discuss copper in drinking water, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources offers a lot of information on the health effects of copper and discusses US EPA regulations regarding copper in the environment..
• Copper Deficiency - The Analyst discusses copper deficiency and provides a glossary of terms used in discussing health effects of copper.
• CopperInfo.com - This is comprehensive copper resource, with information about copper in health and nutrition and a host of other copper-related subjects.
• Copper in Health - The International Copper Study Group provides lots of facts and figures relating to health effects of copper and has links to other information about copper.
• Copper in Human Health - This Internet version of a CDA UK publication has lots of information about copper and human health as well as references to support its statements.
• Copper's Beneficial Role in the Body - This is a PDF chart that illustrates some of the uses of copper in the body.
• Copper's Unique Features and Benefits - The New Zealand Copper Council summarizes some of the characteristics of copper.
• Diseases and Conditions - Copper - The Discovery Health Channel provides a basic overview of the health effects of copper, including listing the US RDA for copper.
• Public Health Statement for Copper - The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry offers a comprehensive fact sheet on the health effects of copper.
• Sergio Lub Bracelets - Notes & Quotes About The Health Benefits of Copper - Cites literature references regarding the effect of copper on inflammation and arthritis.
• WedMD - Most Supplemental Copper Worthless - Most copper supplements contain a type of copper not readily absorbed by the body. Additionally, high vitamin C and/or zinc intake can lead to copper deficiency.

Books About Copper and Health (Alphabetical Order)

Beyond the Copper Bracelet: What You Should Know About Arthritis (The Charles Press Series on Chronic Diseases) by Louis A. Healey, Kenneth R. Wilske, Bob H. Hansen

Biology of Copper Complexes (Experimental Biology and Medicine) by John R.J. Sorenson (Editor)

Copper and Zinc in Inflammation (Inflammation and Drug Therapy Series, Vol 4) by R. Milanino (Editor), G. P. Velo (Editor), Kim D. Rainsford (Editor)

Copper Bioavailability and Metabolism (Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 258) by Constance Kies (Editor)

Copper Bracelet and Arthritis by Helmar H. Dollwet

Copper in the Environment, Part 2: Health Effects by Jerome O. Nriagu

Copper Transport and Its Disorders: Molecular and Cellular Aspects (Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 448) by Arturo Leone (Editor), Julian F. B. Mercer (Editor)

Dietary Reference Intakes: For Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium National Academy Press

Inflammatory Diseases and Copper (Experimental Biology and Medicine, 2) by John R. Sorenson (Editor)

Oncogenes and Human Cancer Blood Groups in Cancer Copper and Inflammation Human Insulin (Progress in Clinical Biochemistry and Medicine, Vol 2) by T.L.J. Boehm

Why Am I Always So Tired?: Discover How Correcting Your Body's Copper Imbalance Can Keep Your Body from Giving Out Before Your Mind Does by Ann Louise Gittleman, Ann Louise Gittlemen, Melissa Diane Smith (Contributor), Michael Rosenbaum

Wilson's Disease for the Patient and Family: A Patient's Guide to Wilson's Disease and Frequently Asked Questions About Copper by MD George J. Brewer, M. D. George J. Brewer

Zinc and Copper in Clinical Medicine Hardcover published by Aperture

Zinc and Copper in Medicine 678 pages, publisher: C. C. Thomas

Subscribe to AIA Jewelry Making