Copper
Copper, an essential mineral, is naturally present in some foods and is available as a dietary supplement. The richest dietary copper sources include shellfish, seeds and nuts, organ meats, wheat-bran cereals, whole-grain products, and chocolate. Copper deficiency is uncommon in humans.
Where to get it
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Active compounds & mechanisms
Key compounds:
The absorption of copper is strongly influenced by the amount of copper in the diet.
Research & evidence
Strong support Some support Weak or no supportColours show how well the sources back each point. The reason is next to each one.
NIH says the evidence to date is insufficient to support any conclusions about the association between copper concentrations and cardiovascular disease risk or the impact of copper supplementation on cardiovascular disease. Observational studies of the link have had mixed results.
Limited evidenceSome support. Reviewers rated the certainty low
Study details
NIH ODS: "However, observational studies of the link between copper concentrations and CVD have had mixed results." "Overall, the evidence to date is insufficient to support any conclusions about the association between copper concentrations and CVD risk or the impact of copper supplementation on CVD."
Source: NIH ODS, Copper — Health Professional Fact Sheet (Updated October 18, 2022), Copper and Health: cardiovascular disease (hedged) View source
NIH says limited evidence shows that people with higher copper levels have a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease, and that very little clinical evidence is available on the impact of copper supplementation in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Limited evidenceSome support. Reviewers rated the certainty low
Study details
NIH ODS: "Limited evidence shows that people with higher copper levels have a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease." "Very little clinical evidence is available on the impact of copper supplementation in patients with Alzheimer’s disease."
Source: NIH ODS, Copper — Health Professional Fact Sheet (Updated October 18, 2022), Copper and Health: Alzheimer's disease (hedged) View source
NIH says the American College of Gastroenterology notes that people with celiac disease appear to have an increased risk of copper deficiency.
Moderate evidenceSome support. Shown only in certain groups, uses, strains or doses
Study details
NIH ODS: "In its 2009 clinical guidelines for celiac disease, the American College of Gastroenterology notes that people with celiac disease appear to have an increased risk of copper deficiency and that copper levels normalize within a month of adequate copper supplementation while eating a gluten-free diet."
Source: NIH ODS, Copper — Health Professional Fact Sheet (Updated October 18, 2022), Groups at Risk: people with celiac disease View source
Dosage
| Form | Amount |
|---|---|
| Any form | Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): 900 mcg/day for adult men and women. Common supplement doses range from 1–3 mg/day. Tolerable upper intake level: 10 mg/day for adults. |
Side effects
Well documented Reported (case reports, anecdotal or one study) None reportedThe circle shows how well documented an effect is, not how serious it is. A rarely reported effect can still be serious, so always read ‘When to stop’.
| Effect | Frequency | When to stop |
|---|---|---|
| Liver damage and gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting) with chronic exposure to high levels of copperWell documentedListed plainly by NIH, MSK or LiverTox | Not stated; copper toxicity is rare in healthy individuals who do not have a hereditary copper homeostasis defect | Stop and talk to a doctor if you notice any unexpected or concerning symptoms. |
Safety & interactions
Safety
Chronic exposure to high levels of copper can result in liver damage and gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting). Copper toxicity is rare in healthy individuals who do not have a hereditary copper homeostasis defect. However, copper toxicity has been reported in people who consume water containing high levels of copper as a result of stagnant water in copper-containing pipes and fixtures as well as copper alloys in water distribution systems and household plumbing that allow copper to leach into water. High dietary intakes of zinc can interfere with copper absorption, and excessive use of zinc supplements can lead to copper deficiency. Copper is not known to have any clinically relevant interactions with medications.
Contraindications
NIH says people with Wilson's disease, a rare, autosomal recessive disease, have a high risk of copper toxicity. People with this disease can develop neurologic and liver damage that can result in cirrhosis, and can also develop acute hepatitis, hemolytic crisis, and liver failure. People who regularly consume high doses of zinc from supplements or use excessive amounts of zinc-containing denture creams can develop copper deficiency because zinc can inhibit copper absorption.
Drug interactions
NIH ODS copper fact sheet does not list significant drug interactions for copper supplements at typical doses.
Related
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