Adult intakes average 1.0 1.5 [95% CI
0.31-3.56] mg/day
Food sources: grains (31%), meat, liver,
water: supplements 3%
Deficiency rare: malnourished, bariatric
surgery and zinc excess
Multivit/mineral preparations contain 1 to 2
mg per day [9 mg]
GL 1.0 mg (TSI: food + water + supplements =
10.0 mg)
Any excess is excreted via the bile if liver
function is normal
10% to 30% of
UK adults/elderly have abnormal liver function
Acute toxicity: nausea, vomiting
Chronic toxicity: possible due to
Wilsons disease
1:20,000 Cu accumulation in the liver, brain due to transport defect; neuropsychiatric/liver problems
<50yrs
Mild cognitive
impairment in elderly if diet high in saturated fat
Excess diagnosed by:
raised plasma
Cu in simple excess if no inflammation/oestrogen
low plasma,
high urine and liver Cu in Wilsons disease