| Gender | Age | Intake |
|---|---|---|
| 0-6 months | Male | 200 mcg (about 30 mcg/kg per day) |
| 0-6 months | Female | 200 mcg (about 30 mcg/kg per day) |
| 7-12 months | Male | 220 mcg (about 24 mcg/kg per day) |
| 7-12 months | Female | 220 mcg (about 24 mcg/kg per day) |
| 1-3 years | Male | 340 mcg/day |
| 1-3 years | Female | 340 mcg/day |
| 3-7 years | Male | 440 mcg/day |
| 3-7 years | Female | 440 mcg/day |
| 7-14 years | Male | 700 mcg/day |
| 7-14 years | Female | 700 mcg/day |
| 14-18 years | Male | 890 mcg/day |
| 14-18 years | Female | 890 mcg/day |
| 18 years and older | Male | 900 mcg/day |
| 18 years and older | Female | 900 mcg/day |
This essential mineral is mostly contained in the muscles and bones of the human body. Its amount in the blood is regulated by the liver. Copper is often used in medicine.
The body needs copper for producing connective tissues and bones. It also helps to code some enzymes performing numerous important functions, like making melanin or removing free radicals. Copper is important for absorption of iron.
In medicine, copper is effective for treating osteoarthritis, reduced iron in blood, osteoporosis, and wound healing.
Its deficiency may lead to joint pain, anemia, lowered immunity, and brittle bones. As a rule, modern people rarely have copper deficiency, but sometimes it happens when someone gets too much zinc supplements, after being fed with feeding tubes, or after intestinal bypass surgery. Deficiency in copper can occur in infants if they are malnourished.
Too much copper in the body can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps. In the long term, over-consumption of the mineral can lead to senility, schizophrenia, kidney failure, insomnia, and depression.
Copper is contained in various foods and is easily absorbed. People who eat a diverse diet and do not have any healthy issues, does not need special copper supplements.