New research shows a link between copper intake and cognitive decline, particularly Alzheimer's disease in older people who also eat a diet high in fat.
What you need to know
This study is what's known as a community-based prospective study. Mental functioning was conducted over 6 years in a selected population of people (3718 participants in the Chicago Health and Aging Project) People in this study were not told what to eat, they were asked about their diets in a well-validated food frequency questionnaire and these data were statistically compared with cognitive test scores and probable Alzheimer's pathology. The daily recommended intake of copper is 0.9 milligrams, while study subjects with the most copper consumed a minimum of 1.6 milligrams per day.
This study shows an association between dietary levels of copper and cognitive decline in aging WITH the presence of a high-fat diet. It does NOT prove that copper leads to Alzheimer's disease.
Copper, which has been found at higher levels in the blood of Alzheimer's patients, is normally consumed in animal organs like liver, and in shellfish, nuts, legumes, some fruits, potatoes and chocolate. Drinking water that travels through copper pipes can also contain copper. Many of those in the study with high copper levels got it primarily through multivitamins.--Copper in high-fat diet risks mental decline
--Reuters
The bottom line, try to eat a well-balanced diet and be sure that you don't OD on the supplements.