Check with the physician or registered dietitian for more information. Demineralized water and distilled water are processed differently and may not contain the same amount of copper. This water should contain only 1 microgram of copper per liter. If the water contains more than 100 micrograms per liter, then bottled demineralized water should be used. Drinking water should be analyzed because it may contain too much copper.In general, the low copper diet is meant to restrict foods that are usually high in copper, especially organ meats, shellfish, dried beans, peas, whole wheat, and chocolate that is high in cocoa such as dark chocolate. The copper content and the location of the soil in which the food was grown, or the method used to process the food, for example, can affect how much copper is in the food when eaten. The copper content in a specific food can vary depending on a number of factors.However, patients taking D-penicillamine may develop a deficiency of vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), and the physician may prescribe a supplement of 25 mg daily. Nutrition FactsĪ low copper diet is generally adequate in all the nutrients necessary for good health. The dietary intake of copper should be less than 1.0 mg per day. Still, it is helpful to avoid copper-rich foods as much as possible. Zinc is also used to reduce copper absorption in the diet. Medicines such as Cuprime and Depen (generic name: D-penicillamine) and Syprine (generic name: trientine) are used to help excrete excess copper with the urine. Therefore, dietary restriction alone is usually not enough to control Wilson’s disease. However, Wilson’s disease is treatable.Ĭopper is found in different amounts in a wide variety of foods. Excess copper collecting in the liver causes cirrhosis of the liver, which is a serious, life-threatening condition. When excess copper accumulates, it is stored in the eyes, brain, kidneys, and liver. This means it is essential for good health, but only a tiny amount is needed. Wilson’s disease is a hereditary disorder in which the body retains too much copper.

Mineral Books by W.E. Wilson