Copper

Products

Copper is commercially available in multivitamin preparations, dietary supplements, and ointments and solutions, among other products. Hormone-free intrauterine devices (known as “coils”) or copper chains are also approved for contraception. These are medical devices and not drugs.

Structure and properties

Copper (cuprum, Cu, atomic number 29) is a soft and easily workable transition and heavy metal with a reddish orange color and a high melting point of 1083 °C. It is a good electrical and thermal conductor is of enormous importance for the distribution of electricity. It is also known as a building material (e.g. roofs, gutters) and for the production of coins, tools and boilers. Copper has been used for thousands of years. Known alloys are brass (with zinc), bronze (with tin) and sterling silver (with silver). The chemical element was formed in stars by nuclear fusion. Copper forms oxides with oxygen from the air and discolors brown to black (see also under redox reactions). Green discolorations (copper patina) come from the formation of copper acetate, copper chloride, and copper carbonate, among others. These can be seen, for example, on the Statue of Liberty, whose shell is made of copper. In pharmaceuticals, copper is present either elementally or in the form of various salts, e.g., as copper carbonate, copper chloride, copper gluconate, copper oxide, copper orotate and copper sulfate. These often have a green or blue color.

Effects

Copper is an essential trace element and is present as a cofactor in numerous metalloenzymes. Among other things, it is important for the immune system, the nervous system, for ATP synthesis in the mitochondria (electron transport chain), the transport of iron, for blood formation, connective tissue, pigmentation (melanin), catecholamine synthesis, and the protection of cells against oxidative stress. Furthermore, copper has astringent, bactericidal, antiviral, fungicidal, algicidal, spermicidal and contraceptive properties.

Fields of application

Copper bracelets are worn in alternative medicine for the treatment of rheumatic complaints. According to a 2013 scientific study, they are not suitable for this purpose (Richmond et al., 2013).

Dosage

According to the package insert. The daily requirement for adults is low and ranges from 1.0 to 1.5 mg (DACH reference values). Total body copper content is only about 100 mg. Intrauterine devices are inserted into the uterus (cavum uteri) or locally attached during gynecologic treatment.

Contraindications

Precautions depend on the application.

Adverse effects

Possible adverse effects of intrauterine devices include bleeding, interstitial bleeding, anemia, abdominal and low back pain, abdominal inflammation, allergy, and perforation of the uterine wall. In case of copper overload, the complexing agents penicillamine or trientine can be used. The drugs are administered, among others, in Wilson’s disease, a hereditary disease that leads to reduced excretion and therefore accumulation of copper in the body.