Mineral

Copper

Copper requires 0.9 mg daily for adult women and 0.9 mg for men. The tolerable upper intake level is 10 mg. It has 1 severe interaction, notably with Zinc picolinate.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-20Reviewed by: StackingRight clinical reviewPrimary source

What Copper does

Cofactor for cytochrome c oxidase, superoxide dismutase and copper-dependent collagen cross-linking.

For every 15 mg of supplemental zinc, roughly 1 mg copper is advised.

How much you need

Reference intakes for Copper in adults
MeasureAdult maleAdult female
Recommended intake0.9 mg0.9 mg
Upper intake level10 mg
Typical supplement dose1-2 mg

Interactions involving Copper

1 sourced rule
Interaction rules involving Copper
PairSeverityMechanismAction
Zinc picolinate × Copper glycinateseparate 2hSevereZinc induces metallothionein in enterocytes, which binds copper and traps it in the gut cell so it is lost when the cell sheds. Sustained zinc supplementation can cause frank copper deficiency and anaemia.Do not take zinc and copper in the same dose. Aim for roughly 1 mg copper per 15 mg zinc, and separate them by at least 2 hours.Source

Questions people ask about Copper

Sources