coppertalk

By Ruth Danzeisen, PhD, DABT

The healthy trio: iron, zinc, and copper
Everyone knows about the need to get enough iron and zinc in their diet. In fact, many people take zinc supplements when they want to boost their immune systems. What most people don’t know, however, is that copper is equally important for health and the immune system, and that too much zinc can make it difficult for the body to obtain enough copper.

Copper is needed for the formation of blood cells and for neurological health. People who overdose on zinc supplements for many years can develop anemia and neurological symptoms, such as gait abnormalities. Usually, these symptoms are reversible with a proper balance of zinc and copper.

For optimal health with regard to the essential trio of iron, zinc, and copper, we should follow the U.S. National Academy of Sciences guideline: Anyone (in any age group) who takes an iron supplement of 30 mg or more per day should, under the supervision of a physician, balance it with about 15 mg of zinc and 2 mg of copper. Moreover, pregnant women should consult with their physicians to ensure that their prenatal supplements contain the proper balance of iron, zinc, and copper.

Copper.org has further reading on copper in human health.

Ruth Danzeisen, Phd, DABT, is a toxicologist and microbiologist, and the assistant program director of the Health and Health Environment Program of the International Copper Association.