Mineral
Copper
Also known as: Copper glycinate, Copper bisglycinate, Copper citrate, Copper gluconate
Essential trace mineral for iron metabolism, connective tissue, and antioxidant function. Often depleted by high zinc supplementation.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Copper product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thorne Copper Bisglycinate | 96 A | $0.32 |
| 2 | Thorne Thyroid Health Complex | 90 A | $0.33 |
| 3 | Pure Encapsulations EyeProtect Basics without zinc | 90 A | $1.00 |
| 4 | Jarrow Formulas Zinc Balance (2-Pack) | 90 A | $0.14 |
| 5 | Complement ForHer Hormone Balance and Longevity Multivitamin for Women | 89 A | $0.67 |
| 6 | Pure Encapsulations EyeProtect Basics | 89 A | $1.05 |
| 7 | NOW Foods Liquid Chlorophyll - Mint | 89 A | $0.21 |
| 8 | Thorne Advanced Nutrients | 88 A | $2.40 |
| 9 | Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day | 88 A | $0.60 |
| 10 | Thorne Basic Prenatal | 88 A | $1.23 |
| 11 | Thorne Men's Multi 50+ | 88 A | $1.87 |
| 12 | Pure Encapsulations Copper (citrate) | 88 A | $0.21 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Copper should I take?
The typical range is 1-2mg daily. Safe long-term at appropriate doses
When should I take Copper?
Separate from zinc by several hours. Yes.
Which form of Copper is best?
Copper glycinate — Well-absorbed. Other forms in the catalog: Copper gluconate, Copper citrate, Capsule/tablet.
Is Copper safe?
Commonly reported: Nausea if taken without food, GI upset. Serious warnings: Toxicity possible - don't mega-dose, Wilson's disease contraindication. Wilson's disease - avoid
Which Copper supplement scores highest?
Thorne Copper Bisglycinate, at 96/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Daily target & upper limit
0.9 mg / day · UL 10 mgCopper has an established daily reference intake. See best forms, label synonyms, upper-limit warnings, and top-scoring supplements:
Copper dosage reference →Primary uses
- Immune cell energy
- Iron metabolism
- Antioxidant enzymes
- Connective tissue
- Energy production
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Copper reached a verdict on: 1 with a benefit, 2 unclear. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found a benefit (1)
“The copper intrauterine device is highly effective and offers long-term contraception for women using it as emergency contraception.” PMID 39701010
Not enough to say: depressive symptoms in coronary artery disease; stuttering severity.
How it works
- Required for iron absorption and transport
- Cofactor for lysyl oxidase (collagen)
- Part of SOD antioxidant
- Required for energy production
Dosage
- Typical range
- 1-2mg daily
- Timing
- Separate from zinc by several hours
- With food
- Yes
- Duration
- Safe long-term at appropriate doses
- Special populations
- Those taking zinc, anemia, collagen support
Forms
- Copper glycinate
- Copper gluconate
- Copper citrate
- Capsule/tablet
Safety
Common side effects
- Nausea if taken without food
- GI upset
Contraindications
- Wilson's disease
- Copper overload conditions
Products containing Copper
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Copper on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Known interactions
Evidence notes
Essential trace mineral, important to balance with zinc
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
Cited research for Copper
Clinical studies referenced across Formulate guides that mention copper. Each links to the full study page with PubMed source + the guides that cite it.
Related in Mineral
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.