Your Multiple Vitamin’s Copper and Cancer

Understanding Copper's Dual Role in Our Bodies and Its Link to Cancer

Written by Keith Bishop, Clinical Nutritionist, Cancer Coach, and Retired Pharmacist

The Benefits and Needs of Copper:

Copper is essential in the human body. Copper is a vital trace mineral necessary for survival. It plays a crucial role in forming red blood cells, maintaining nerve cells, and supporting the immune system. It also aids in the absorption of iron and the development of healthy connective tissue. However, like many things, balance is key.

Copper is essential for cardiovascular health, bone strength, and aiding antioxidant defenses. Copper is integral in various enzymatic reactions and energy production within mitochondria.

High Levels of Copper and Cancer Risk:

Excessive copper can lead to oxidative stress and DNA damage, potentially increasing the risk of cancer development. Copper plays a significant role in this process due to its involvement in redox reactions, which are chemical reactions that involve the transfer of electrons. In normal amounts, copper helps form antioxidants, which neutralize harmful free radicals.[i] However, in excess, copper can contribute to producing free radicals. This happens through the Fenton reaction, where copper reacts with hydrogen peroxide, a common reactive oxygen species, to produce hydroxyl radicals. These highly reactive hydroxyl radicals can cause significant damage to cellular components, including DNA.

DNA damage is a critical factor in cancer development. When DNA is damaged, it can lead to mutations in genes that control cell growth and division. If these mutations affect oncogenes (genes that have the potential to cause cancer) or tumor suppressor genes (genes that protect against cancer), it can result in uncontrolled cell growth, leading to tumor formation and cancer progression.

Furthermore, oxidative stress from excessive copper can also affect the body's inflammatory response, creating an environment that is conducive to cancer development. Chronic inflammation has been linked to various stages of cancer development, including initiation, promotion, and metastasis.[ii]

The relationship between copper, oxidative stress, and cancer is complex and multifaceted. While elevated copper levels can increase the risk of cancer through the mechanisms described, copper's role in the body is essential, and only excessive amounts pose a risk. Maintaining a balance of copper, not too little and not too much, is crucial for cellular health and overall well-being.

Cancers Linked to Elevated Copper Levels:

Cancers associated with high copper levels include:

• breast cancer[iii]
• prostate cancer[iv]
• colorectal cancer[v]
• liver cancer[vi]
• lung cancer[vii]

It's important to note that research is ongoing, and while there's a correlation, causation is still being studied.

Learn what other vitamins and minerals are associated with an increased risk of cancer. Click here to download a guide about Vitamins that Increase the Risk of Cancer.

Balancing Copper and Zinc:

Maintaining the balance between copper and zinc within the body is essential, as these two minerals often work in tandem. Excess copper can lead to zinc deficiency and vice versa, affecting overall health. A proper balance supports the immune system and reduces cancer risk.[viii]

Testing for Copper and Zinc Levels:

Copper and zinc levels can be tested in blood serum and urine tests.

Maintaining optimal levels of copper and zinc in the blood is crucial for overall health, as both minerals play significant roles in various bodily functions. For copper, the recommended level in the blood is typically between 70 and 140 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL). However, these values can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and specific health guidelines. For zinc, the ideal range is usually between 0.66 and 1.10 micrograms per milliliter (mcg/mL) in the blood.

The optimal copper-to-zinc blood ratio is generally between 1:8 and 1:12. For every part of copper, there should be 8 to 12 parts of zinc.[ix] Copper and zinc blood levels are available from your healthcare team and through Ulta Lab Tests at the following link. https://www.ultalabtests.com/partners/prevailovercancer/test/zinc-copper-and-ceruloplasmin-panel

Mosaic Diagnostic Labs also does a Heavy Metal Mineral urine test that evaluates copper, zinc, and other metals and minerals. Click or tap on this link to view a sample report.
Click or tap here to learn more about Nutrient and Toxic Element test. 

Flourish Compounding Pharmacy has a zinc taste test, an inexpensive functional assessment of zinc, but not copper. Click here to learn more.

It is essential to consult with your healthcare team to interpret the results accurately.

Foods High in Copper:

Shellfish such as oysters and lobster; organ meats like beef liver, nuts, and seeds; whole grains; dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale; legumes including lentils and chickpeas; whole grains like quinoa and buckwheat, and dark chocolate are among foods high in copper. Incorporating these foods into a balanced diet is essential, but be cautious about excessive intake.

Other Sources of Copper:

Other sources of copper include:

• Water obtained through copper pipes
• Water distilled in copper pipes
• Copper bracelets
• Copper beverage and food containers

You can test your water for copper levels using a simple inexpensive John's copper test. Click here to use an Amazon Link.

Foods High in Zinc:

Zinc-rich foods are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and promoting well-being. Some of the best sources of zinc include oysters, beef, lamb, poultry like chicken and turkey, Seafood such as crab and lobster, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, cashews, and chickpeas. Additionally, fortified cereals, whole grains, dairy products, and eggs offer a good amount of zinc, making it easy to incorporate into various diets. Incorporating these foods into a balanced diet is essential, but be cautious about excessive intake.

Copper and Cancer Conclusion:

Copper is essential, and the proper balance is necessary. Be mindful of your copper and zinc intake, and consult with your healthcare team if there is an imbalance.

If your body has sufficient copper adding a supplement with cancer may increase your risk of cancer, cancer growing faster, and cancer metastasizing. 

Learn what other vitamins and minerals are associated with an increased risk of cancer. Click here to download a guide about Vitamins that Increase the Risk of Cancer.

Reference Sources

[i] Gupte A, Mumper RJ. Elevated copper and oxidative stress in cancer cells as a target for cancer treatment. Cancer Treat Rev. 2009;35(1):32-46. doi:10.1016/j.ctrv.2008.07.004 https://www.cancertreatmentreviews.com/article/S0305-7372(08)00261-2/abstract

[ii] Tang X, Yan Z, Miao Y, et al. Copper in cancer: from limiting nutrient to therapeutic target. Front Oncol. 2023;13:1209156. Published 2023 Jun 23. doi:10.3389/fonc.2023.1209156 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2023.1209156/full#B72

[iii] Dabek JT, Hyvönen-Dabek M, Härkönen M, Adlercreutz H. Evidence for increased non-ceruloplasmin copper in early-stage human breast cancer serum. Nutr Cancer (1992) 17:195–201. doi: 10.1080/01635589209514187 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01635589209514187

[iv] Saleh SAK, Adly HM, Abdelkhaliq AA, Nassir AM. Serum Levels of Selenium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, and Iron in Prostate Cancer Patients. Curr Urol. 2020;14(1):44-49. doi:10.1159/000499261 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7206590/

[v] Gupta SK, Shukla VK, Vaidya MP, Roy SK, Gupta S. Serum and tissue trace elements in colorectal cancer. J Surg Oncol (1993) 52:172–5. doi: 10.1002/jso.2930520311 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jso.2930520311

[vi] Fang A-P, Chen P-Y, Wang X-Y, Liu Z-Y, Zhang D-M, Luo Y, et al. Serum copper and zinc levels at diagnosis and hepatocellular carcinoma survival in the guangdong liver cancer cohort. Int J Cancer (2019) 144:2823–32. doi: 10.1002/ijc.31991 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijc.31991

[vii] Zhang X, Yang Q. Association between serum copper levels and lung cancer risk: A meta-analysis. J Int Med Res. 2018;46(12):4863-4873. doi:10.1177/0300060518798507 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6300955/#:~:text=Conclusions,the%20development%20of%20lung%20cancer.

[viii] Formigari A, Gregianin E, Irato P. The effect of zinc and the role of p53 in copper-induced cellular stress responses. J Appl Toxicol. 2013;33(7):527-536. doi:10.1002/jat.2854 https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jat.2854

[ix] OptimalDX. Mineral Biomarkers: Copper to Zinc Ratio. OptimalDX website. https://www.optimaldx.com/research-blog/mineral-biomarkers-copper-zinc-ratio. Published April 13, 2021. Accessed November 16, 2024.