Last update May 14, 2024
Compatible
Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.
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Copper is also known as
Copper in other languages or writings:
Copper belongs to these groups or families:
Main tradenames from several countries containing Copper in its composition:
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e-lactancia is a resource recommended by Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine - 2015 of United States of America
Would you like to recommend the use of e-lactancia? Write to us at corporate mail of APILAM
Copper is an essential trace mineral, although severe copper deficiency is rare in humans. The daily needs for copper are 1,300 mcg for lactating women. Many foods contain copper: liver, shellfish, whole grains, nuts, seeds, chocolate, mushrooms, avocados, chickpeas... (NIH 2022). Copper sulfate and chloride are used in parenteral nutrition for the prophylaxis and treatment of deficiency states. Copper oleate has been used topically as an insecticide for the treatment of head lice. Copper sulfate has an astringent action on the mucous membranes. Copper nitrate has been used for the removal of warts. Copper has a local contraceptive effect in the uterus (intrauterine contraceptive devices, IUDs).
At the date of the last update, we found no published data on its excretion in breast milk.
Copper as a a pollutant:
Copper naphthenate is a general pesticide and insecticide and topical antifungal in veterinary medicine. For work activities in which copper products are made and handled, it is necessary to use worker protection measures. The tolerated limit value is 0.2 mg/m³ for smoke and 1 mg/m³ for dust and mist. It may be necessary to use personal protective equipment (gloves, glasses and masks) and shower and change clothes before returning home. Breastfeeding is possible if safety measures are followed.
Excessive copper is hepatotoxic and neurotoxic.
A moderate consumption of copper without exceeding the daily requirements is compatible with lactation. IUDs that release copper into the endometrium are not contraindicated in breastfeeding.