Copper
Copper plays a critical role in maintaining healthy connective tissues, bone, and blood vessels, and is crucial for the formation of red blood cells. It's a key component of several enzymes, including those vital for energy production and the cross-linking of collagen and elastin, contributing to structural integrity throughout the body. It contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system and acts as an antioxidant by being a co-factor for superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme that helps protect cells from damage by free radicals. Copper also supports brain health, nerve function, and is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, impacting cognitive function and mood. Furthermore, copper is essential for iron metabolism, enabling the body to absorb and utilize iron effectively. It helps transport iron to bone marrow for red blood cell formation and ensures its proper release from storage, making it integral to preventing certain types of anemia and maintaining overall vitality.
Shellfish (oysters, crab, lobster)Nuts (cashews, almonds, peanuts)Seeds (sesame, sunflower)Whole grainsLegumes (lentils, beans)Dark chocolateOrgan meats (liver)MushroomsAvocado
Cheapest Copper supplements
Discover the cheapest Copper supplements to support your Bone Health, Skin Health, Hair Health, and Vision Support needs without breaking the bank.
Best Copper supplements
Discover the best copper supplements for supporting bone, skin, hair, and vision health.
Value Copper supplements
Explore top-rated Copper supplements offering essential support for bone, skin, hair, and vision health, helping you make an informed choice for overall well-being.
RDA (Men)1 mg
RDA (Women)1 mg
RDI1 mg
Minimum1 mg
Maximum3 mg
Upper Limit (UL)10 mg
Toxicity Threshold60 mg
Toxicity EffectLiver damage, kidney failure
Impact
High effect
Typical dose:1–2 mg
Copper's role via the enzyme lysyl oxidase is not just decent, but very effective and critical for creating a strong, flexible collagen framework in bone. Proper cross-linking is essential to prevent brittleness, making Copper's contribution high-impact for bone quality.
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Impact
High effect
Copper is required by the enzyme lysyl oxidase, which cross-links collagen and elastin fibers, giving skin its strength and elasticity. It also functions as a cofactor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. As a trace mineral, it is foundational but needed in small, balanced amounts, often alongside zinc.
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Impact
High effect
Typical dose:1–2 mg
High-dose zinc supplementation, as recommended in the AREDS2 formula for vision support, can interfere with copper absorption and lead to a deficiency. Including a small amount of copper is not for direct vision benefits but is a crucial safety and efficacy measure to balance the zinc intake.
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Impact
Moderate effect
Copper is a cofactor for enzymes involved in cross-linking collagen for hair follicle strength and producing melanin for hair color. While important, deficiency is uncommon and it must be carefully balanced with zinc intake, making it a supportive rather than a primary supplement for most people.
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add_circle_outline Positive Interactions
remove_circle_outline Negative Interactions
Zinc
High doses of zinc can compete with copper for absorption in the intestines, potentially leading to copper deficiency over time.
Vitamin C
Very high doses of Vitamin C (e.g., >1500 mg) may interfere with copper absorption and utilization.
Iron
Extremely high doses of iron supplements taken simultaneously can potentially inhibit copper absorption due to competitive pathways.
89 Best 
Source of Life Gold Mini-Tabs
NaturesPlus
4.6
★★★★★
(1809 ratings)
Copper: 4.5 mg
This is a very comprehensive multivitamin and whole food supplement packed with a wide array of high-potency vitamins, minerals, and plant-based nutrients aimed at broad health support.
70 Best 
Chlorophyll Gummies 100 mg Orchard Fruit Flavored
Nature's Way
4.4
★★★★★
(1969 ratings)
Copper: 4.5 mg
These orchard fruit flavored gummies deliver 100mg of chlorophyllin and 4.5mg of copper, providing a tasty and convenient supplement option, though they are more expensive per serving and contain added sugar.
75 Value 
One Daily Women's Health
Equate
4.7
★★★★★
(5571 ratings)
Copper: 2 mg
This multivitamin provides essential vitamins and minerals in a convenient daily tablet, formulated to help meet the general nutritional needs of women.
91 Best 
Source of Life Gold Tablets
NaturesPlus
4.7
★★★★★
(1888 ratings)
Copper: 4.5 mg
This is a robust and highly comprehensive multivitamin, mineral, and whole food supplement that aims to support overall health with a wide array of high-potency ingredients, offering good value.
70 Best 
Chlorofresh Liquid Chlorophyll Mint Flavored
Nature's Way
4.7
★★★★★
(73250 ratings)
Copper: 6 mg
A high-potency liquid chlorophyll with 132mg chlorophyllin and 6mg copper, this mint-flavored option is effective but comes with a higher calorie/carb count and a premium price per serving.
88 Best 
Chelated Copper 5 mg
Carlson
4.7
★★★★★
(192 ratings)
Copper: 5 mg
This Carlson product delivers a potent 5 mg of highly absorbable copper bisglycinate chelate in a tablet, suitable for those looking for a higher-dose copper supplement.
72 Value 
Healthy Eyes Lutein and Antioxidants
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(15376 ratings)
Copper: 2 mg
An affordable supplement offering a blend of antioxidant vitamins and minerals, plus a modest amount of lutein, designed for general health and basic eye support.
70 Budget 
Complete Multivitamin Adults 50+
Equate
4.7
★★★★★
(2059 ratings)
Copper: 0.5 mg
This multivitamin for adults 50+ offers a foundational blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and key carotenoids like Lutein and Lycopene, supporting general health, bone density, and vision at a very accessible price.
68 Budget 
Daily Vits
NOW
4.7
★★★★★
(11036 ratings)
Copper: 1 mg
This multivitamin is a convenient, basic option covering fundamental vitamin needs with some well-absorbed minerals, although doses for key minerals like calcium and magnesium are quite low.
68 Value 
Therapeutic-M
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(615 ratings)
Copper: 2 mg
Therapeutic-M is a cost-effective multivitamin-mineral supplement designed to offer broad, everyday nutritional support for general wellness.
89 Value 
Albion Chelated Copper 2 mg
Swanson Ultra
4.8
★★★★★
(2026 ratings)
Copper: 2 mg
This Swanson Ultra supplement provides 2 mg of highly absorbable TRAACS Copper Glycinate Chelate in capsule form, making it an effective and affordable option for copper supplementation.
70 Budget 
Zinc Plus Natural Mango Strawberry Flavor
ChildLife Essentials
4.9
★★★★★
(14154 ratings)
Copper: 0.2 mg
This liquid supplement provides zinc gluconate for children, with a small balancing dose of copper gluconate, in a natural mango strawberry flavor.
85 Best 
Chlorofresh Unflavored
Nature's Way
4.7
★★★★★
(40224 ratings)
Copper: 5.6 mg
An unflavored liquid chlorophyll with the highest dose of chlorophyll and copper, highly favored by many for its potency and versatility.
70 Budget 
One Daily Women's
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(34510 ratings)
Copper: 0.9 mg
This women's multivitamin offers a comprehensive, budget-friendly blend of essential vitamins and minerals, including a high dose of Biotin, to support daily health and specific needs like hair and nail wellness.
82 Best 
Chlorofresh Mint Flavored
Nature's Way
4.8
★★★★★
(4542 ratings)
Copper: 5 mg
A mint-flavored liquid concentrate delivering 100mg of chlorophyllin and 5mg of copper per serving, this product provides good potency and value for daily wellness.
68 Value 
One Daily Men's Health
Equate
4.7
★★★★★
(2147 ratings)
Copper: 2 mg
This is a comprehensive and budget-friendly multivitamin for men, providing a wide array of essential vitamins and minerals for daily nutritional support.
60 Best 
Chloropure Liquid Chlorophyll Mint Flavor
Country Farms
4.5
★★★★★
(782 ratings)
Copper: 5 mg
This high-potency liquid chlorophyll with 132mg chlorophyllin and 5mg copper offers strong active ingredient levels but is notably expensive per serving and includes moderate calories and carbohydrates.
90 Value 
Chelated Copper
Solgar
4.7
★★★★★
(12980 ratings)
Copper: 2.5 mg
This Solgar supplement offers 2.5 mg of highly bioavailable copper glycinate chelate in a tablet form, providing essential mineral support at a very competitive price point.
75 Value 
Copper 3 mg
NutraBio
4.7
★★★★★
(1128 ratings)
Copper: 3 mg
This economical NutraBio capsule delivers 3 mg of copper, but its specific form is not disclosed, which might raise questions about its bioavailability compared to other options.
68 Budget 
Healthy Eyes Extra
21st Century
4.7
★★★★★
(5538 ratings)
Copper: 2 mg
This supplement combines vitamins, minerals, and Lutein to support vision health and general antioxidant status in a budget-friendly tablet form.
65 Budget 
Immune Zinc Lozenge Berry Flavored
NaturesPlus
4.8
★★★★★
(1375 ratings)
Copper: 0.3 mg
This NaturesPlus supplement is a multi-form zinc product with a very low, balancing dose of highly absorbable copper bisglycinate, offered at an economical price.
90 Best 
Chelated Copper 5 mg
Carlson
4.7
★★★★★
(189 ratings)
Copper: 5 mg
This Carlson product offers a high 5 mg dose of highly absorbable copper bisglycinate chelate in a larger, more economical tablet package, ideal for sustained higher-dose supplementation.
91 Value 
Copper 2 mg
Swanson
4.7
★★★★★
(7887 ratings)
Copper: 2 mg
An extremely economical tablet providing 2 mg of chelated copper, this Swanson product is a highly practical choice for consistent daily mineral support.
72 Budget 
600 + D3 plus Minerals
21st Century
4.8
★★★★★
(1626 ratings)
Copper: 1 mg
An economical calcium and D3 supplement with a broad range of supporting minerals, offering good value for general bone and mineral health.
82 Best 
Chlorofresh 100 mg
Nature's Way
4.5
★★★★★
(20026 ratings)
Copper: 4.5 mg
These softgels provide 100mg chlorophyllin and 4.5mg copper, offering a convenient, taste-free, and moderately priced option for daily wellness support.
Average$31.13
Median$26.80
Average$0.77
Median$0.58
Average$1.81
Median$0.60
Reference amount: 1 mg
Copper gluconate is a chelate of copper with gluconic acid, a mild organic acid. It is one of the most common forms of copper found in dietary supplements due to its relatively good solubility and absorption in the digestive tract. It provides a stable source of elemental copper and is generally well-tolerated.
- Good bioavailability
- Widely available and commonly used
- Generally well-tolerated
- May contain a lower percentage of elemental copper by weight compared to some other forms
- Higher doses can cause digestive upset
Avg$29.31
Med$26.89
Avg$0.61
Med$0.54
Avg$1.42
Med$0.58
Price distribution
Copper bisglycinate is a chelated form where a copper ion is bound to two glycine molecules. This chelation helps protect the copper from interacting with other compounds in the gut, enhancing its absorption and bioavailability. It's often preferred for its superior absorption profile and gentle action on the digestive system.
- Excellent bioavailability and absorption
- Less likely to cause digestive upset compared to inorganic forms
- Reduced interference with other minerals
- May be more expensive than some simpler forms
Avg$32.10
Med$29.49
Avg$0.65
Med$0.60
Avg$0.34
Med$0.17
Price distribution
Copper citrate is a complex of copper with citric acid, a common organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits. It is considered to have good bioavailability, often comparable to or slightly better than copper gluconate, making it a suitable form for dietary supplementation. It is generally well-tolerated.
- Good bioavailability
- Generally well-tolerated
- Organic form
- May be less absorbed than amino acid chelates in some individuals
- Higher doses can still lead to gastrointestinal upset
Avg$39.01
Med$33.55
Avg$1.00
Med$0.85
Avg$2.27
Med$1.45
Price distribution
Copper amino acid chelate refers to a copper ion that is chemically bonded with one or more amino acids (e.g., glycine, aspartic acid, methionine). This chelation process mimics how minerals are absorbed in food, making these forms generally more bioavailable and better tolerated than inorganic salts. Copper bisglycinate is a specific type of amino acid chelate.
- Improved bioavailability compared to inorganic salts
- Good digestive tolerance
- Mimics natural absorption pathways
- The specific amino acid(s) used can vary, potentially affecting exact absorption rates
- Generally more expensive than inorganic salts
Avg$27.01
Med$24.98
Avg$0.65
Med$0.53
Avg$0.92
Med$0.48
Price distribution
Copper sulfate is an inorganic salt of copper. While it provides elemental copper, its bioavailability is generally considered lower than chelated or organic forms, and it can be more irritating to the digestive system, potentially leading to nausea or upset stomach. It is less common in modern, high-quality dietary supplements for human consumption.
- Inexpensive and readily available
- Lower bioavailability compared to chelated forms
- Higher potential for gastrointestinal irritation and upset stomach
- Less preferred for human supplementation
Avg$22.50
Med$17.95
Avg$0.36
Med$0.23
Avg$0.31
Med$0.16
Price distribution
Copper bisglycinate chelate is a specific and highly regarded form of copper where the copper ion is covalently bound to two glycine molecules. This forms a stable chelate that passes through the digestive tract largely intact, leading to superior absorption and reduced interference with other minerals compared to inorganic forms. It is designed for optimal bioavailability.
- Excellent bioavailability and absorption
- Superior digestive tolerance, gentle on the stomach
- Minimizes interactions with other dietary components for better absorption
- Can be more expensive to produce and purchase
Avg$27.85
Med$25.99
Avg$0.68
Med$0.54
Avg$0.66
Med$0.54
Price distribution
Copper sebacate is a salt formed between copper and sebacic acid. While sebacic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid, copper sebacate is not a widely recognized or commonly used form of copper for oral dietary supplementation. Its bioavailability and efficacy compared to other established forms are less studied in the context of general nutritional support, and it is more typically found in cosmetic or niche formulations.
- Potential for specific topical or niche applications (not for general oral use)
- Limited research on oral bioavailability and efficacy in humans
- Not commonly used in general dietary supplements
- May not be readily absorbed orally
Avg$37.17
Med$34.22
Avg$1.03
Med$0.79
Avg$1.02
Med$0.79
Price distribution
Copper aminoate complex is a broader term similar to 'amino acid chelate,' indicating that copper is bound to one or more amino acids to form a stable complex. This binding helps protect the copper from stomach acid and other compounds in the gut, facilitating its absorption across the intestinal wall. It aims to mimic natural absorption processes for enhanced bioavailability.
- Improved bioavailability compared to inorganic salts
- Generally well-tolerated and less likely to cause digestive upset
- Mimics natural absorption
- Specific amino acids and chelation strength can vary between products, potentially influencing exact efficacy
- May be more expensive than inorganic forms
Avg$37.19
Med$29.28
Avg$0.86
Med$0.99
Avg$0.38
Med$0.26
Price distribution
Cupric oxide (CuO) is an inorganic compound of copper. While it contains a high percentage of elemental copper by weight, numerous studies have consistently shown that its bioavailability in humans is extremely low, rendering it largely ineffective as a source of dietary copper. It is often used in animal feed but is not recommended for human supplements due to its limited absorption.
- High elemental copper content by weight (though poorly absorbed)
- Inexpensive
- Extremely poor bioavailability in humans
- Virtually ineffective as a human dietary supplement
- Limited absorption means most of the copper passes through the digestive system unutilized
Avg$22.08
Med$21.39
Avg$0.60
Med$0.65
Avg$0.26
Med$0.26
Price distribution