In fact, some researchers consider doses between 23 mg to 100 mg to be excessive and possibly toxic, unless in the treatment of particular disease states, like diabetes, and under a doctor's supervision. Copper Copper is an essential trace mineral involved in several key enzymatic reactions in the human body. It is the third most abundant essential trace mineral. Every living organism contains 1-2 mcg of copper per gram of tissue. In humans, the highest concentrations of copper are in the brain, bone, kidneys and liver.
Some diets are deficient in copper.
In the presence of a copper deficiency, body tissues are affected adversely. Without proper levels of copper, blood vessels weaken, bones become osteoporitic and joints become stiff. Insufficient copper levels can lead to brain disturbances, increased lipid peroxidation, high LDLs and a decrease in HDLs. Another contributing factor to insufficient copper levels is excessively high doses of zinc. High doses of vitamin C , chronic diarrhea, skin burns and chelation therapies can also reduce copper levels.