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# Consumers over age 50 should consider steps to cut copper and iron intake (PR)
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/copper_and_iron_intake_2001101045/
- Published: 2010-01-20T22:44:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:02:40.000Z
- Description: A report in Chemical Research in Toxicology argues copper and iron build-up may contribute to Alzheimer's and other age-related disease after 50, and lists steps: skip supplements containing them, eat less meat, avoid water from copper pipes, donate blood and take zinc.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Minerals, Nutrition, #vivvo-import

Contact: Michael Bernstein  
[m\_bernstein@acs.org](mailto:m%5Fbernstein@acs.org)  
202-872-6042  
[American Chemical Society](http://www.acs.org/?ref=foodconsumer.org)   

# Consumers over age 50 should consider steps to cut copper and iron intake

| [ **IMAGE:**](http://www.eurekalert.org/multimedia/pub/19657.php?from=152617&ref=foodconsumer.org) Copper from home plumbing is one metal that may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other age-related disorders. [Click here for more information.](http://www.eurekalert.org/multimedia/pub/19657.php?from=152617&ref=foodconsumer.org) |
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With scientific evidence linking high levels of copper and iron to Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and other age-related disorders, a new report in ACS'*Chemical Research in Toxicology* suggests specific steps that older consumers can take to avoid build up of unhealthy amounts of these metals in their bodies. "This story of copper and iron toxicity, which I think is reaching the level of public health significance, is virtually unknown to the general medical community, to say nothing of complete unawareness of the public," George Brewer states in the report.

The article points out that copper and iron are essential nutrients for life, with high levels actually beneficial to the reproductive health of younger people. After age 50, however, high levels of these metals can damage cells in ways that may contribute to a range of age-related diseases.

"It seems clear that large segments of the population are at risk for toxicities from free copper and free iron, and to me, it seems clear that preventive steps should begin now." The article details those steps for people over age 50, including avoiding vitamin and mineral pills that contain cooper and iron; lowering meat intake: avoiding drinking water from copper pipes; donating blood regularly to reduce iron levels; and taking zinc supplements to lower copper levels.

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ARTICLE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
"Risks of Copper and Iron Toxicity during Aging in Humans"

DOWNLOAD FULL TEXT ARTICLE   
[http://pubs.acs.org/stoken/presspac/presspac/full/10.1021/tx900338d](http://pubs.acs.org/stoken/presspac/presspac/full/10.1021/tx900338d?ref=foodconsumer.org)

CONTACT:   
George Brewer, M.D.   
Departments of Human Genetics and Internal Medicine   
Morton S. and Henrietta K. Sellner Emeritus Professor of Human Genetics   
Emeritus Professor of Internal Medicine   
University of Michigan Medical School   
Ann Arbor, Mich. 48109-5618   
Phone: 734-395-1070   
Fax: 734-332-7878   
Email: [brewergj@umich.edu](mailto:brewergj@umich.edu)