Reasons for High Copper Levels in America

Copper is a trace mineral that plays a vital role in the mental and physical well-being of a person, since it is used in energy production, strengthening connective tissues and the nervous and reproductive systems. Copper is derived from dietary intake of nuts, shellfish, potatoes, liver, chocolate and legumes. Although copper plays a vital role in the body functions, high levels can lead to migraines, anxiety, premenstrual syndrome, allergies, depression, poor concentration and anorexia. The recommended daily intake of copper in is 0.9 milligrams. High levels of copper in the United States are attributed to a number of factors.

Family Planning

• Copper is used as a primary ingredient in most birth control pills present on the market. Birth control pills are used by women of all childbearing years in the United States, resulting in high copper levels within their bodies. Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause raises the estrogen levels, elevating the intercellular copper levels. The copper intrauterine devices (IUDs) commonly used for birth control release copper into the blood stream, thus increasing its level in the body. High copper levels are more common in women than men, attributed to the presence of estrogen. Excessive copper in women might darken the skin around the face and cause adult acne.

Dietary Habits

• People who feed on processed foods such as hot dogs, sausages, bacon, bratwurst and a variety of mixed meats take in high levels of copper. Seafood, including crabs, clams, prawns, lobsters, shrimps, oysters and crawfish, is a favorite of many Americans, though it are rich in copper. Legumes such as kidney beans, lentils, white beans, chickpeas, soy beans and other soy products including soy milk and tofu are commonly consumed in America, resulting in high levels of copper.

Copper Sulfate

• Copper sulfate, a natural inorganic salt, is used as algaecide for retaining the aesthetic value of ponds, swimming pools and lakes. Copper sulfate is applied twice a week and some of it does not drain from the water accumulating at the bottom forming a layer of toxic copper. When people go for swimming they might be intoxicated with large amounts of copper accumulated at the bottom of the pool from the algaecide. Copper pollution in storm water discharge rises, since the algaecide is swept downstream from lakes and ponds by rainwater.

Drinking Water

• Copper pipes are commonly used in the United States to pipe drinking water from the source to commercial or residential buildings. Copper pipes are preferred, since they do not rust easily and are durable. However, copper might be leached into the drinking water through the pipes. Drinking this contaminated water results in high copper levels in the body.

Multivitamins

• Multivitamins and other minerals taken as dietary supplements mostly contain some copper. Since they are administered from an early age, they lead to elevation of copper levels in America.