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Meat is a very rich source of iron, which is linked to age-related disorders. People over 50 must cut down on their meat-intake

High level of copper and iron intake after 50 years of age is likely to increase the risk of age-related disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.

With scientific evidence linking high levels of copper and iron to Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease and other age-related disorders, a new report 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. Even the public is completely unaware of it,” says George J. Brewer, who authored 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.

But after 50 years, high levels of these metals can damage cells in ways that might 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,” says Mr. Brewer in a release of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

The article details the steps for people over age 50 - 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.

The findings were published in the ACS’ Chemical Research in Toxicology.

IANS / Hindu