What it does in the body
Copper is required for normal growth and health, it helps the body use iron and sugar¹,  and it is important for nerve function.²

What foods it's found in

• Copper is found abundantly in organ meats (particularly liver), seafood, beans, nuts and whole-grains.3  

Recommended Dietary Allowance

• The RDA for Copper is lower than most other minerals because our bodies require no more than 10mg (upper level) of copper a day, otherwise it could be toxic. Most of this 10 mg can be obtained through our diet.

Orthomolecular Dosage Range: similar to the RDA.

• In addition to diet, 1-3 mg might be recommended by an orthomolecular practitioner as a supplement.

Deficiencies in copper could lead to fatigue, anemia, and a lowered resistance to infection.⁴  These are rare. Copper surplus is a much more common problem than copper deficiency.

¹  Mayo clinic. Tools. Site Viewed on December 10, 2007. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR602273
²  Ibid.
³  Ibid.
⁴  Copper Deficiency. Site Viewed January 11, 2008. http://www.copperinfo.com/health/deficiencies.html