Copper
Copper is an essential trace mineral found in shellfish, nuts, seeds and organ meats. The body uses it in enzymes for iron metabolism and connective tissue.
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
What does copper do?
Copper helps enzymes involved in energy production, iron handling and connective-tissue formation work. It is an essential mineral, but those normal functions do not by themselves show that extra copper improves energy, hair or skin when intake is already adequate. 1
Who might be short of copper?
High zinc intake can impair copper absorption. Copper deficiency is also a concern in some people with celiac disease. Blood copper and ceruloplasmin, a copper-carrying protein, can help an assessment, but pregnancy, inflammation and other factors affect these measurements. 1
Why people take it
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.
Questions people ask
Does Wilson’s disease change the picture?
Yes. Impaired copper clearance can cause toxic accumulation and liver or neurological damage. 1
Can high-dose zinc cause low copper?
Yes. Excess zinc can inhibit copper absorption. 1
Is the safe level a daily goal?
No. EFSA’s safety value describes exposure without expected harm, not a nutritional requirement. 2
Vitamin C
Zinc
Manganese
Iron