Over 50s age group 'should cut copper and iron intake'

A new report has suggested that specific steps should be taken by older consumers to avoid the build up of unhealthy amounts of copper and iron in their bodies.

The new report published in the Chemical Research in Toxicology journal said that scientific evidence links high levels of copper and iron to Alzheimer's disease, heart disease and a range of age-related disorders.

George Brewer, the author, said that the issue is reaching the "level of public health significance" but is still virtually unaddressed by the general medical community.

And while copper and iron are essential nutrients for life, with high levels likely being beneficial to younger people and their reproductive health, after age 50, it can damage cells in ways that may contribute to the likes of dementia.

Mr Brewer added: "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."

Each year in the UK, 60,000 deaths a year are directly attributable to dementia.

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