What is Copper used for?

Copper is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Copper deficiency (evidence tier B), Anti-aging and longevity (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Copper?

Common side effects of Copper (≥ 1 in 100): Metallic taste, Nausea, Epigastric pain, Vomiting on empty stomach. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.

Is Copper safe during pregnancy?

FDA category N. Adequate copper intake in pregnancy is 1 mg/day (NIH ODS, EFSA) and is covered by ordinary diet. Copper in parenteral nutrition and in standard prenatal multivitamins is safe. Stand-alone copper supplements in pregnancy are not justified and may be harmful because of the placenta's sensitivity to oxidative stress.

Is Copper compatible with breastfeeding?

Copper in human milk decreases from about 0.4 mg/L in early weeks to 0.15–0.2 mg/L by 6 months and covers infant needs. Stand-alone copper supplements during lactation are not justified.

Who should not take Copper?

Copper is contraindicated in: Wilson disease (ATP7B mutation causes toxic copper accumulation); Severe hepatic impairment; Idiopathic childhood cirrhosis; Biliary atresia; Known hypersensitivity to copper salts. Full list in the Safety section.

Copper

AEMPS

Trace cofactor mineral, used in parenteral nutrition and supplements

ATC code: A12CX-COPPER (Copper (gluconate, bisglycinate, sulfate))

Brand names

Solgar Chelated Copper, Cupric Sulfate Injection, Multitrace-5

Mechanism of action

Copper is a cofactor for caeruloplasmin, cytochrome c oxidase of the respiratory chain, lysyl oxidase (cross-links collagen and elastin), Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, dopamine beta-hydroxylase (noradrenaline synthesis) and tyrosinase (melanin synthesis). It is absorbed in the duodenum via the CTR1 transporter, transported on albumin and transcuprein, and packaged into caeruloplasmin by the liver. Copper homeostasis is regulated by the liver, which excretes excess into bile. Zinc competes with copper at the enterocyte metallothionein level, so prolonged high-dose zinc intake depletes copper stores.

Indications

Copper deficiency

First line

Copper preparations are used in confirmed deficiency after bariatric surgery, malabsorption syndromes, prolonged high-dose zinc intake, parenteral nutrition without copper and the rare paediatric Menkes disease. Baseline strategy: oral copper sulfate, gluconate or bisglycinate 2–8 mg elemental copper/day according to severity; in severe neutropenia and myelopathy – IV copper sulfate 1–2 mg/day. The cause must be addressed in parallel: in most adults it is chronic zinc intake above 40 mg/day or zinc-containing denture cream. Targets: normal caeruloplasmin and reversal of neurological symptoms when treatment starts early. Guidance: ESPEN, ASPEN, Kumar 2004 (Neurology).

Copper

Mechanism of action

Indications

Copper deficiency

Marketing claims without evidence base

Anti-aging and longevity

Check interaction with another drug

Official sources

Safety

Contraindications

Serious adverse effects

Common adverse effects

PregnancyFDA N

Breastfeeding

Frequently asked