Copper

Effects and Benefits

Core Identification

Common Names:
- Copper
- Cuprum
- Cu (chemical symbol)

Latin Name: Cuprum (Cu)

Category: Mineral

Uses

Traditional Uses

• Copper bracelets worn for joint pain and arthritis relief - Various cultures, centuries of use
• Copper vessels used for water purification and storage - Ayurvedic tradition
• Copper compounds applied topically for wound healing - Ancient Egyptian and Greek medicine

Modern Uses

• Bone Health / Osteoporosis Prevention - Supports collagen synthesis and bone mineralization | Research quality: Moderate
• Key findings: In one trial involving menopausal women, those taking 3 mg copper supplements did not lose significant bone density compared with placebo, who experienced significant bone mineral density loss

• Source citations: Brewer, Sarah - TDT Encyclopedia of Vitamins

• Iron Absorption and Anemia Prevention - Essential for iron metabolism and red blood cell formation | Research quality: Strong

• Key findings: Copper is necessary for iron absorption from the gut and hemoglobin synthesis; deficiency causes anemia unresponsive to iron supplementation

• Source citations: Merck Manual Home Health Handbook; Beyond the Pill (Brighten)

• Cardiovascular Health - Helps regulate blood cholesterol levels | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Copper may help protect against hardening and furring of arteries (atherosclerosis) through its role in cholesterol metabolism

• Source citations: Brewer, Sarah - TDT Encyclopedia of Vitamins

• Connective Tissue Support - Required for collagen and elastin synthesis | Research quality: Strong

• Key findings: Copper is needed to maintain healthy bones, cartilage, hair, and skin, especially their elasticity through collagen production

• Source citations: Brewer, Sarah - TDT Encyclopedia of Vitamins

• Antioxidant Protection - Cofactor for superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme | Research quality: Strong

• Key findings: Copper is essential for enzymes involved in antioxidant protection against free radical damage

• Source citations: Merck Manual Home Health Handbook

• Arthritis Support - May benefit joint health | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Many people with arthritis have low blood levels of copper and may be helped by wearing copper bracelets for transdermal absorption
• Source citations: Brewer, Sarah - TDT Encyclopedia of Vitamins

Active Compounds

Primary Active Ingredients:
- Copper ions (Cu²⁺) - Essential cofactor for numerous enzymes including cytochrome c oxidase, superoxide dismutase, lysyl oxidase, and ceruloplasmin
- Ceruloplasmin - Copper-carrying protein in blood that facilitates iron transport and metabolism
- Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase - Antioxidant enzyme requiring both copper and zinc

Dosage Information

Standard Dosage:
- Form: Capsule/tablet
- Amount: 0.8–2 mg per day
- Frequency: Once daily

Therapeutic Dosage:
- Form: Capsule/tablet
- Amount: 2–3 mg per day
- Purpose: For osteoporosis prevention or documented deficiency
- Duration: As recommended by healthcare provider; monitor copper status

Maximum Safe Dosage:
- Daily maximum: 10 mg (Tolerable Upper Intake Level for adults)
- Warning threshold: Toxic effects can occur at levels just twice as high as normal intake; do not exceed 3 mg without medical supervision

Bioavailability Notes:
- Only about 30% of dietary copper is absorbed; up to 70% remains unabsorbed
- Absorption is reduced by sugars, sweeteners, refined flour, raw meat, vitamin C (in high doses), zinc, calcium, and phytates
- Copper citrate and copper picolinate are well-absorbed supplemental forms
- The ideal dietary ratio of copper to zinc is 1:10

How to Take It

Timing:
- Take with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset
- Avoid taking with high-dose vitamin C, zinc supplements, or calcium supplements as these reduce absorption
- Space 2 hours apart from zinc supplements if taking both

Synergies - What It Works Well With

Complementary Supplements:
1. Iron - Copper enhances iron absorption and is needed for hemoglobin synthesis | Combined effect: Improved treatment of anemia
2. Vitamin C (low to moderate doses) - Supports collagen synthesis alongside copper | Combined effect: Enhanced connective tissue health
3. Manganese - Works with copper in superoxide dismutase enzyme | Combined effect: Enhanced antioxidant protection

Avoidance - What NOT to Combine With

Supplement Interactions:
1. Zinc (high doses) - Doses of zinc above 40 mg/day can block copper absorption and induce deficiency | Causes anemia unresponsive to iron and low neutrophils

Drug Interactions:
1. Penicillamine - Chelates copper; used therapeutically for Wilson's disease but depletes copper in others | Severity: Severe
2. Antacids - May reduce copper absorption | Severity: Mild
3. NSAIDs - Copper may enhance anti-inflammatory effects while reducing ulcerogenic effects; copper-NSAID chelates show increased activity | Severity: Monitor (potential benefit)

Food Interactions:
- High-dose vitamin C supplements (500+ mg) - May reduce copper absorption
- High phytate foods (when consumed together with copper supplements) - Reduce absorption
- Excessive refined sugars and sweeteners - Interfere with copper metabolism

Safety Information

Contraindications:
- Wilson's disease (hereditary copper accumulation disorder)
- Known copper toxicity or excess
- Liver disease, especially cirrhosis
- Individuals on very-low-calorie or restricted diets without medical supervision

Side Effects:
- Common: Nausea, stomach upset (especially at higher doses)
- Rare: Vomiting, diarrhea, colic (signs of excess intake)
- Serious (with excess): Liver damage, copper-induced cirrhosis, hemolytic anemia

Long-Term Use:
- Safe at recommended doses (0.8–3 mg daily)
- Excess copper from drinking water through copper pipes or supplements can cause chronic toxicity
- Monitor copper status with blood tests (copper and ceruloplasmin levels) if supplementing long-term

Special Precautions:
- Pregnancy: Copper needs increase; however, do not exceed recommended amounts without medical guidance
- Breastfeeding: Adequate intake important for infant development
- Children: Particularly susceptible to toxicity; Menkes syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting copper metabolism in male infants
- Celiac disease, Crohn's disease: Higher risk of deficiency due to malabsorption

Primary Uses At-a-Glance

Primary:
- Anemia (copper-deficiency type)
- Osteoporosis prevention
- Collagen and connective tissue support
- Antioxidant enzyme function

Secondary:
- Cardiovascular health support
- Immune function
- Melanin and pigment production
- Brain neurotransmitter synthesis

Sources

Local Library:
- Brewer, Sarah - TDT Encyclopedia of Vitamins
- Merck Manual Home Health Handbook
- Gaby, Alan R. - A-Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin Interactions, 2nd Ed.
- Weil, Andrew - Eating Well for Optimum Health
- Brighten, Jolene - Beyond the Pill
- Lopez, Maria Transito - Medicinal Plants at Home

General Knowledge:
- Institute of Medicine (IOM) Dietary Reference Intakes
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements