Increase copper intake may be linked to better brain health

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Sure, copper makes for good wiring, but could it also be good for your brain?

A new study suggests that the metal may be important in maintaining brain function as we get older.

The study — published in Scientific Reports — noted there is an optimum level of dietary copper intake for older people, below which cognitive function may be impaired and above which there is no further benefit.

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2011-14 was used for the study, in which researchers looked at the dietary copper consumption of 2,420 people.

Researchers looked at the participants’ cognitive function using four tests.

They found that people in the top quartile for copper intake scored higher on cognitive function tests. However, cognitive function scores peaked at a certain level of intake and did not increase any further.

In an interview with Medical News Today, registered nutritional therapist Elena Rolt said people can get the right amount of copper by eating shellfish such as oysters, crabs and lobsters and organ meats, particularly liver.

Dark chocolate is also a rich source of dietary copper.

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