Magnesium and copper are both essential minerals that play important roles in the body. However, an excess of copper can lead to toxicity and cause health problems. This has led some people to ask whether taking magnesium supplements can help remove excess copper from the body.
How magnesium and copper work in the body
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and is involved in over 300 enzyme reactions. It helps regulate blood pressure, blood sugar levels, nerve function, energy production, and more (1).
Copper is a trace mineral that helps form red blood cells, maintain nerve cells, and support immune function. It also helps with iron absorption and can act as an antioxidant (2).
The body carefully regulates levels of both minerals through absorption, storage, and excretion. Magnesium is mainly stored in bones, muscles, and soft tissues, while copper is mostly stored in the liver and brain (1, 2).
Copper toxicity
Although copper is essential, too much can be harmful. Copper toxicity, also called copper overload, contributes to oxidative stress and cellular damage. Symptoms may include (3, 4):
– Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
– Liver or kidney damage
– Neurological problems like headaches, tremors, seizures
– Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, psychosis
Some genetic conditions like Wilson’s disease cause excess copper buildup in the body. Environmental exposures through contaminated food or water can also lead to high copper levels.
Can magnesium remove excess copper?
There is some evidence that magnesium may help reduce excess copper levels, primarily by preventing intestinal absorption of copper.
May inhibit copper absorption
Studies show that giving supplemental magnesium to animals fed high-copper diets can significantly decrease copper accumulation in the liver and other tissues (5, 6).
This is thought to occur because magnesium and copper compete for absorption in the intestines. Magnesium may bind to intestinal transport sites and prevent copper uptake (5, 6).
Increases copper excretion
One human study in 7 healthy adults found that taking a magnesium supplement increased urinary copper excretion by over 300%. This led to an overall decrease in copper retention (7).
Magnesium supplements may enhance copper excretion by stimulating the production of metallothionein, a protein that binds to copper and transports it out of tissues (8).
Reduces copper toxicity symptoms
Animal studies have shown that magnesium supplementation can reduce oxidative stress and tissue damage in cases of excess copper (5, 9).
In a study of 46 patients with Wilson’s disease, magnesium supplements for 6 months significantly improved neurological symptoms compared to baseline (10).
Other ways to reduce copper overload
While magnesium supplements may help some people, other strategies can also help remove excess copper including:
– **Zinc supplementation**: Zinc can also inhibit copper absorption and increase metallothionein production (4).
– **Chelation therapy**: Medications like penicillamine form complexes with copper, allowing it to be excreted in urine. Used to treat Wilson’s disease (4).
– **Reduced copper intake**: Limiting foods high in copper like shellfish, nuts, chocolate, mushrooms, and organ meats (3).
– **Avoiding exposure**: Removing sources of copper in environment or diet if toxicity is caused by exposures (4).
– **Treating underlying condition**: If excess copper is due to a disorder like Wilson’s disease, treating the condition may help lower levels (4).
Should you take magnesium to remove copper?
Magnesium supplementation may help some people reduce excess copper levels, especially by preventing further accumulation. However, other strategies are likely needed as well.
It’s important not to take magnesium indiscriminately, as excess magnesium can also be toxic. Therapeutic levels for copper toxicity range from 250–500 mg per day in divided doses, but you should consult your doctor (10).
Get your copper levels tested to determine if you have excess levels. Work with a healthcare professional to determine if magnesium, along with other therapies, could help restore normal copper balance.
Monitor your magnesium and copper levels if taking magnesium supplements to remove copper. Reduce magnesium doses if levels become too high.
The bottom line
Evidence suggests magnesium may help reduce copper overload by:
– Blocking intestinal absorption of copper
– Increasing copper excretion in urine
– Reducing copper toxicity symptoms
However, magnesium supplements alone are usually not enough to reverse excess copper. Work with your doctor to find the right treatment approach if you have copper toxicity.