Human Nutrition 3(3+0)

Lesson 41 : Copper

Sources, Requirements & Toxicity

Dietary sources
The important sources of copper in Indian diets are cereals and pulses. While in western countries, meat and eggs. Milk is a poor source of copper.

Rich sources

Good sources

Requirements
The Recommended Daily Allowance for Copper for different age groups is:

1. Adults - 1.5 to 3.0 milligrams per day.
2. Children - 1.5 to 2.5 milligrams per day.
3. Infants less than six month - 0.4 to 0.6 milligrams per day.

Toxicity
Intakes in excess of 10 mg per day can cause vomiting, diarrhea, muscular pain, depression, irritability, nervousness and dementia. Toxicity is low and very rare.