Mineral
Copper (as Fermented Copper Bisglycinate)
Also known as: copper bisglycinate, fermented copper, chelated copper
Copper is an essential trace mineral required for iron metabolism, collagen synthesis, and fetal development. The bisglycinate chelate form enhances absorption and reduces potential for GI irritation.
Primary uses
- Iron metabolism and hemoglobin formation
- Collagen and elastin cross-linking
- Antioxidant defense (cytochrome c oxidase)
- Fetal skeletal and nervous system development
How it works
- Cofactor for copper oxidase enzymes
- Involved in iron oxidation and ferroxidase activity
- Required for lysyl oxidase (collagen maturation)
- Component of superoxide dismutase (SOD)
Dosage
- Typical range
- 1 mg daily (RDA for pregnant women)
- Timing
- with meals preferred
- With food
- take with food to enhance absorption and minimize GI irritation; separate from high-dose zinc by at least 2 hours
- Duration
- throughout pregnancy and lactation
- Special populations
- Pregnant women 1 mg/day; lactating women 1.3 mg/day; do not exceed 10 mg/day
Forms
- copper bisglycinate· 70/100
- copper citrate· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- nausea (rare at normal doses)
- metallic taste (rare)
Contraindications
- Wilson's disease
- Menkes disease
Evidence notes
Established physiological role in pregnancy; RCT evidence supporting copper adequacy during pregnancy; deficiency linked to poor fetal outcomes; bisglycinate form confirmed safe and bioavailable.
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Related in Mineral
Check a full stack
Formulate's free interaction checker lets you paste in any combination of supplements and medications at once — every pairing flags severity, timing, and cited evidence.
Open the checkerMedical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider.