It is also important for nerve function, bone growth, and to help your body use sugar. Some conditions may increase your need for copper. Increased need for copper should be determined by your health care professional. Claims that copper supplements are effective in the treatment of arthritis or skin conditions have not been proven. Use of copper supplements to cause vomiting has caused death and should be avoided.
Injectable copper is given by or under the supervision of a health care professional.
Another form of copper is available without a prescription. For good health, it is important that you eat a balanced and varied diet. Follow carefully any diet program your health care professional may recommend. Additional copper can come from drinking water from copper pipes, using copper cookware, and eating farm products sprayed with copper-containing chemicals. Copper may be decreased in foods that have high acid content and are stored in tin cans for a long time.