Although copper plays an important role in the body and prevents, inter alia, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and infections, its accumulation may be harmful. An excess of an element can cause copper poisoning, so in the event of alarming symptoms, diagnosis and appropriate treatment are necessary.
The human body does not produce copper on its own, so it is essential to supply it with food and drink. It is worth remembering that excess copper is detrimental to the body and, when significantly exceeded, causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea, and can also lead to copper poisoning.
Such situations are rare and most often occur after drinking water containing copper washed from the system. Accumulation of this element is dangerous, so it is important to know how the concentration of copper in the body is diagnosed and what the treatment of copper poisoning looks like.
Copper poisoning - diagnosis
Copper poisoning can occur in adults, whose concentration of copper (II) ions is in the range of 4-400 mg per kg body weight. However, it should be emphasized that the amount of copper in the body is estimated on the basis of suicide attempts and accidental poisoning, therefore the concentration range causing light and severe poisoning is wide.
Copper poisoning in children occurs at lower concentrations that are not specified. It is also worth emphasizing that a he althy adult can consume 1-10 mg of copper daily with the diet. According to Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, the upper limit of consumption is: 5 mg / day for pregnant and lactating women and for children 4-6 years old - 2 mg / day, 7-10 years old - 3 mg / day and 11-17 years old - 4 mg / day.
Copper poisoning and excess copper in the body - symptoms
The type and amount of symptoms vary with the amount of copper in your body. When it slightly exceeds the norm and is not yet referred to as poisoning, it is accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain and cramps, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea.
Most often, the first symptoms appear 15 minutes after consuming excess copper. Excess copper also has a negative effect on the nervous system, as the element is deposited in neurons. Symptoms appear at a slightly increased concentrationsuch as sadness, anxiety, nervousness, etc. With a high concentration of copper in the body, mental disorders, including impaired consciousness and depression, occur.
When there is a significant excess of the norm in the body, there is talk of copper poisoning, which manifests itself:
- vomiting (often bloody)
- no reaction to stimuli
- dehydration
- a significant weakening of the body
- accelerated heart rate
- metallic aftertaste
- with hematuria
- tarry stools
- congestion of the mucous membranes
- drooling
When copper poisoning is found in the body, it should also be taken into account that there may also be damage to the brain, liver and cornea of the eye, because it is in them that the excess of this element accumulates.
Copper poisoning - causes
Copper poisoning occurs quite rarely.
One of the reasons is the consumption of excess water with drinking water (remember that the same doses in water will be more toxic than in food). This happens when, for example, copper ions are leached from copper domestic installations. In these situations, copper is especially dangerous for infants who are not breastfed and who are running water either soft or acidic.
In addition, poisoning can also occur in children with copper levels above 1 mg / L and diagnosed with Wilson's disease or cirrhosis.
Copper poisoning may occur in people who use supplements excessively - it is recommended that you consult a specialist before taking any preparations of this type.
The increased risk factors for copper poisoning include: working with chemicals containing copper, using copper cooking pots, consuming large amounts of copper-enriched drinks, as well as using hormone therapy and birth control pills.
Copper poisoning - research
A specialist who suspects copper poisoning based on an interview orders blood tests that will allow a quick determination of the element in the blood. The norm of copper concentration in the adult human body is defined as 0.8-1.3 mg / l.
Another test is the determination of ceruloplasmin in the blood serum (a protein that transports copper to the tissues).
In adults, the norm is defined as 30-58 mg / dl, and in children up to 6 years of age - 24-145 mg / dl.
In patients with suspected copper poisoning, it is also possible to test the element in the urine from the daily collection.
It is worth remembering thatthe concentration of copper in the blood and urine increases, among others in pregnant women, people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, in severe inflammations, liver cirrhosis, schizophrenia and heart attack.
Copper poisoning treatment
Copper poisoning is a serious condition that must be treated. In severe cases, hospitalization is necessary, during which the stomach is rinsed with a special solution to precipitate the copper. Additionally, depending on the symptoms, irrigation measures are used, as well as supporting breathing, circulation, protecting, etc.
Wilson's disease and copper poisoning
Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessive genetic disease. The disease manifests itself in the accumulation of copper in excess, mainly in the liver, but also in other tissues.
As a result, they are damaged, including patients with:
- cirrhosis of the liver
- frequent hepatitis
- kidney problems
- yellowing of the skin
- swollen legs
- so-called Kayser-Fleischer ring (the ring around the iris of the eye formed as a result of copper deposition in the cornea)
Patients also have numerous neurological disorders, including speech disorders, problems with balance, mana, increased muscle tension, etc. It is most often diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 30, less often in children.
It should be emphasized, however, that the disease is congenital and causes copper deposition from birth.
Copper poisoning and diet
With a well-balanced, he althy diet, there is no risk of excessive copper intake. In people with too high levels of copper, it is recommended to limit the products that are the source of this element. Thus, you should limit or completely exclude from the menu:
- nuts
- fish
- liver
- mushrooms
- yeast
- chocolate
- whole grain products
Drinks containing it should also be excluded.
It is also worth knowing that if you combine products rich in copper with milk, thanks to this consumption, the absorption of this element will be lower.
Egg proteins and sulfur compounds contained in vegetables are also blocking factors.
Seafood also has such an effect, which completely blocks its absorption due to the high content of zinc.