Copper Supplementation Has No Effect on Markers of DNA Damage and Liver Function in Healthy Adults (FOODCUE Project)

Background/Aims: Copper is routinely used in the laboratory to promote oxidation in vitro. However, copper concentrations are million-fold higher than physiological concentrations and, in contrast, accumulating evidence suggests that copper may have an antioxidant role in vivo. The aim of this study was to provide data on how increased intake of copper affected mononuclear leukocyte DNA damage and liver function in healthy young free-living men and women. Methods: The study design was a double-blind repeated crossover trial with treatment and intervening placebo periods, each of 6 weeks’ duration. The following supplementations were given orally in sequence: CuSO 4 at a dose of 3 mg copper/day and copper amino acid chelates at doses of 3 and 6 mg copper/day. Oxidative DNA damage was assessed using a modification of the alkaline Comet assay incorporating an endonuclease III digestion step. The assessment of liver function was by measurement of the liver enzymes, alanine aminotransferase and L-γ-glutamyltransferase. Results: There was no significant alteration in mononuclear leukocyte DNA damage or on liver function after 6 weeks of copper supplementation at two doses (3 and 6 mg/day). Conclusions: Copper supplementation (giving total copper intake at the highest level of 7 mg/day) did not induce DNA damage or adversely affect liver function in healthy adults.