Can drinking water from copper bottles damage the liver and kidneys?

Copper bottles have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the perceived health benefits of drinking water from them. Copper is an essential mineral that plays a role in various bodily functions, including the production of red blood cells, the maintenance of healthy bones, and the formation of connective tissue. However, there have been concerns raised about the potential harm that copper water bottles could cause to the liver and kidneys. It is said that an excessive intake of copper can be toxic and cause liver and kidney damage. Read more to find out about it...(Images courtesy: iStock)

Copper utensils and vessels have been used since ancient India for cooking and serving food. It has been a part of traditional Indian and Ayurvedic practices for centuries, and is believed to have health benefits. However, it is important to note that these practices involve the use of high-quality copper vessels that are properly cleaned and maintained, and the amount of copper ingested through these practices is typically much lower than the amount consumed through drinking water from a copper bottle.

On excessive consumption, one can experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea after drinking water from copper bottles. These symptoms may be attributed to copper toxicity, which can result in liver and kidney damage if left untreated.

According to experts, the amount of copper that can be safely consumed through drinking water from a copper bottle is around 1.3 milligrams per day. However, many copper water bottles in the market today release more copper than this amount, particularly if they are not properly cleaned and maintained.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a maximum acceptable concentration of copper in drinking water at 2 milligrams per litre. However, some studies have shown that copper levels in water from copper bottles can exceed this limit, especially if the water is left in the bottle for an extended period of time.

To prevent the potential harm that copper bottles could cause, experts recommend that individuals limit their daily intake of copper, and avoid using copper bottles as their sole source of drinking water. They also suggest cleaning copper bottles regularly to prevent the accumulation of copper oxide, which can increase the levels of copper in the water.

While drinking water from copper bottles may have potential health benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of copper toxicity and take the necessary precautions to avoid harm to the liver and kidneys. Experts suggest limiting the daily intake of copper, avoiding using copper bottles as the sole source of drinking water, and ensuring that copper bottles are properly cleaned and maintained to prevent the accumulation of copper oxide.