Copper bracelets

[Mojo]

I noticed these on sale in the local chemists when I was there yesterday. I remember them being advertised as preventing arthritis (or was it rheumatism, or both?) when I was a kid. The claim seems to have been modified to the rather vaguer "relieves aches and pains" or something similar. The claim seems to be that they work through the copper being absorbed through the skin.

What really attracted my attention was that there was a gold plated version on offer. Plated on the inside as well as the outside, so the copper is not touching the skin at all! ::)

[Aardvark]

Wot u iz needin iz sum proper bling n keep it reel wid d masses.

Der posse aint gonna giv it up fur no copper man, RIGHT

Booyaka!

Or as we say in the Nothern Wastelands

Get thisen down t Elizabeth Duke at Argos an go mental

[Mongrel]

I noticed these on sale in the local chemists when I was there yesterday. I remember them being advertised as preventing arthritis (or was it rheumatism, or both?) when I was a kid. The claim seems to have been modified to the rather vaguer "relieves aches and pains" or something similar. The claim seems to be that they work through the copper being absorbed through the skin.

What really attracted my attention was that there was a gold plated version on offer. Plated on the inside as well as the outside, so the copper is not touching the skin at all! ::)


Aren't most of them plated or varnished anyway? How quickly would a copper band turn your skin that lovely green colour without it?

[Mojo]

Aren't most of them plated or varnished anyway? How quickly would a copper band turn your skin that lovely green colour without it?


I had a quick Google before I posted, and it seems that turning your wrist green is a good sign. See here (http://www.u5uk.com/you/sabona/index.htm?ac=Z6FAM-2) for example:
However, this is a good sign that indicates that copper deposits have transferred from the Sabona Bracelet and settled on the surface of the skin (if excessive, this can easily be removed with soap and water). This copper is then utilised by the body.

Great. The bracelet works through the copper settling on the skin so it can be utilised by the body, but if you don't like the green mark you can wash it off...

[vbloke]

After looking through a few textbooks and a quick google, there is no evidence that topical application of copper has any beneficial effects on the body except it may have antimicrobial action when applied to fresh wounds.

[Mojo]

I guess we'll just have to wait until it's covered by your course! ;)

[median]

Sorry, don't know much about copper bracelets but the antimicrobial action of copper has been known for decades.
Recently there was a study on bacterial growth on door knobs comparing brass with stainless steel which gave some favourable results.
Copper salts are quite toxic