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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Mineral

Copper

Trace mineral cofactor for ceruloplasmin and connective tissue crosslinking.

Skin, Hair & NailsGeneral Wellness

Overview

Trace mineral cofactor for ceruloplasmin and connective tissue crosslinking.

Natural sources
  • Liver
  • Oysters
  • Cashews
  • Cocoa
Common forms
  • Copper bisglycinate
  • Sulfate

Mechanism of action

Cofactor for cytochrome c oxidase, lysyl oxidase, dopamine β-hydroxylase, Cu/Zn-SOD.

Pathways
  • · Oxidative phosphorylation
  • · Collagen crosslinking

Effects on the body

Supports
Iron mobilization (ceruloplasmin)

Organ system effects

Brain & CNS

Required for catecholamine synthesis.

Evidence-based benefits

Prevents deficiency anemia & neuropathy

Strong evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Nausea
Rare
    Serious
    • · Wilson's disease accumulation

    Drug interactions

    Zinc (long-term high)
    Induces copper deficiency.
    moderate

    Supplement interactions

    Pairs well with

    None listed.

    Avoid combining with

    No specific avoidances listed.

    Dosing & bioavailability

    Typical dose
    0.9–2 mg
    Upper safe limit
    10 mg

    Where to buy

    Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

    Mineral
    Copper
    Amazon
    Wide selection · fast shipping
    Mineral
    Copper
    iHerb
    Global delivery · curated brands
    Mineral
    Copper
    Thorne
    Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

    Scientific evidence (8)

    Systematic reviewExamine.com Supplement Database · 2023

    Copper: pharmacology, clinical evidence, and safety — narrative review

    Examine.com Research Team

    Curated narrative review of human and preclinical evidence for Copper, including mechanism, typical dosing, and safety considerations.

    Key findings

    Best-supported outcome: Prevents deficiency anemia & neuropathy (evidence: strong). Additional outcomes and limitations summarized in the full profile.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Copper — Prevents deficiency anemia & neuropathy

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Copper Prevents deficiency anemia & neuropathy" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Copper and "Prevents deficiency anemia & neuropathy". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Copper — randomized controlled trial

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Copper randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Copper and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Copper — meta-analysis

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Copper meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Copper and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Copper — pharmacokinetics

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Copper pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Copper and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Copper — safety adverse events

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Copper safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Copper and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Copper — dose response

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Copper dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Copper and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

    Google Scholar: Copper — clinical evidence

    Live Scholar search

    Cross-database citation index for Copper as it relates to "clinical evidence".

    Key findings

    Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

    Open study
    Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.