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Zinc Copper Amino Acid Chelate with Kelp & Pumpkin Seed

Solaray
4.7
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(21026 ratings)
Copper 2 mg
Zinc 50 mg
Product Image
Score78
High-quality chelated zinc and copper at low cost, but the 50 mg zinc dose is too high for casual long-term daily use.
How scoring works
Quantity:100 VegCap(s) • (100 servings)
Goals:
Testosterone Support
Hair Health
Immunity
General Health
Skin Health

Score 78

High-quality chelated zinc and copper at low cost, but the 50 mg zinc dose is too high for casual long-term daily use.
How scoring works
$11.89($0.11 per serving)
Amazon
$ 11.89
Vitacost
$ 11.89
Pure Formulas
$ 11.89
iHerb
$ 11.89
Walmart
$ 11.89
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Analysis

Zinc and copper use amino-acid chelates, while kelp provides 53 mcg iodine. The one-capsule serving is simple and the 100-serving bottle offers low unit cost.

Zinc at 50 mg is above a typical daily maintenance amount, even with 2 mg copper included. Long-term use can still disturb mineral balance and cause nausea.

It fits short-term or professionally guided higher-dose zinc use better than casual daily supplementation. Users wanting maintenance support should usually prefer a lower zinc amount.

Who is it for
  • Adults with a defined short-term need for high-dose zinc
  • Users who prefer chelated minerals
  • People who also need modest iodine
Best for
  • Short-term zinc supplementation
  • Zinc-copper intake
  • Chelated mineral use

Pros

  • Uses amino-acid-chelated zinc and copper
  • Includes copper balance
  • Adds kelp-derived iodine
  • Low serving cost

Cons

  • Zinc dose is very high
  • Poor fit for indefinite daily use
  • Iodine may be unnecessary
  • No flexible lower-dose option

Warnings

  • Fifty milligrams of zinc daily can cause nausea and copper imbalance with prolonged use
  • Zinc can reduce absorption of tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics
  • Kelp-derived iodine may not suit thyroid conditions or thyroid medication without individualized guidance

Nutrient quality

67 High impact

The amino acid chelates may support mineral absorption, though their specific chelating ligands are not identified, and the 50 mg zinc amount exceeds the adult upper intake level, while copper remains at a standard amount. The zinc amount exceeds the adult upper intake level and is too aggressive for routine daily use, while zinc and copper are coherent, while low-dose iodine adds a related but secondary trace-mineral role.

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Ingredient transparency

83 Highest impact

Every listed active ingredient has a specific amount, and no proprietary blend hides the amount of a listed active ingredient. Serving count is supplied, but complete daily-use directions are not provided, while inactive ingredients and excipients are not included in the supplied label details.

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Customer satisfaction

74 High impact

The supplied average rating is strong, and extensive review volume makes the average rating more dependable. Specific review themes are unavailable, so repeated negatives and real-world fit remain uncertain.

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Value for money

86 Highest impact

Uneven forms, dosing, or disclosure weaken formula value, and the very low serving cost provides excellent practical value. The formula is focused and does not appear padded with low-value active ingredients, while the product is reasonably competitive but lacks a clear quality or value advantage.

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Report analysis

Goals

Testosterone Support
Testosterone Support
Impact
High effect
B+ Goal FitB Strength of SupportC CoverageA+ Formula Quality
Zinc · 50 mg

Zinc provides foundational testosterone support, and copper helps balance the high zinc amount. Iodine adds thyroid support but does not directly raise testosterone.

The mineral forms and amounts are clear, although zinc remains high for routine long-term use. The 50 mg zinc amount may cause nausea and still requires caution with sustained daily use despite the included copper.

Study evidence
Zinc Disputed 7 studies
Hair Health
Hair Health
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportB- CoverageA Formula Quality
Zinc · 50 mg

Chelated zinc supports follicle cell division, while copper helps balance high zinc intake and contributes to hair structure and pigmentation. Kelp-derived iodine may support thyroid nutrition when intake is inadequate, but it is not a direct hair-growth active.

The mineral forms and amounts are clearly disclosed, and the zinc-copper pairing is sensible. The zinc amount is above the usual adult upper intake level, so prolonged daily use may still disrupt mineral balance or cause nausea despite added copper.

Study evidence
Copper Adverse 4 studies
Iodine No effect 1 study
Zinc Supportive 22 studies
Immunity
Immunity
Impact
High effect
A- Goal FitC- Strength of SupportD+ CoverageB+ Formula Quality
Zinc · 50 mg

Zinc amino acid chelate directly supports immune cells, while copper helps reduce the mineral imbalance created by a high zinc intake. Iodine from kelp adds thyroid-related nutritional support.

The 50 mg zinc amount still exceeds the adult upper intake level and is not ideal for unsupervised long-term use. Copper improves the design but does not remove the risk of nausea or excessive zinc exposure.

Study evidence
Zinc Supportive 73 studies
General Health
General Health
Impact
High effect
A Goal FitC- Strength of SupportD+ CoverageB Formula Quality
Zinc · 50 mg

Zinc supports foundational immune, enzyme, antioxidant, and tissue-repair functions. The formula focuses mainly on zinc-dependent pathways, with limited added mineral breadth.

The 50 mg zinc amount exceeds the adult tolerable upper intake level and is poorly suited to routine long-term use. Even with added copper, a daily 50 mg zinc amount exceeds the adult upper limit and may cause nausea or disrupt mineral balance.

Study evidence
Zinc Supportive 60 studies
Skin Health
Skin Health
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitC Strength of SupportD CoverageA- Formula Quality
Zinc · 50 mgCopper · 2 mg

Zinc supports skin repair, while copper helps balance prolonged zinc intake and supports connective-tissue enzymes. The formula still lacks collagen, barrier lipids, and photoprotection actives.

The 50 mg zinc amount exceeds the adult daily upper intake level even with 2 mg copper included. Routine use may cause nausea and mineral imbalance, so the high dose remains unsuitable without supervision.

Study evidence
Copper Supportive 16 studies
Zinc Supportive 66 studies
Vision Support
Vision Support
Impact
Moderate effect
C+ Goal FitC Strength of SupportD CoverageB Formula Quality
Zinc · 50 mgCopper · 2 mg

Zinc and copper form a clinically familiar mineral pairing for retinal support. Both use amino acid chelates, but the zinc amount is high and the zinc-to-copper balance remains aggressive.

Kelp-derived iodine adds little direct ocular benefit at the disclosed amount. Regular use of 50 mg zinc exceeds the adult daily upper limit and may still cause nausea or mineral imbalance despite the included copper.

Study evidence
Copper Supportive 7 studies
Zinc Supportive 39 studies

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
Iodine (Kelp)
 53 mcg
Zinc (Zinc Amino Acid Chelate)
 50 mg
Copper (Copper Amino Acid Chelate)
 2 mg
Adults 18–50
Report overview
Copper (Copper Amino Acid Chelate) · 2 mg OverallScore90
A+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityB Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyA+ Value

Copper amino acid chelate offers strong absorption and clear labeling at the collection target dose. The zinc amount creates a ratio well above the preferred balance, which may increase mineral competition during regular use. The very low serving cost is attractive, but the balance issue remains important.

View ingredientView products
Zinc (Zinc Amino Acid Chelate) · 50 mg OverallScore69
D+ Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityB+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB+ Value

The generic zinc amino acid chelate source offers limited form quality, while the vegetable capsule format is well suited to use. Its 50 mg serving is above the adult upper intake level for routine daily use. The high daily zinc amount exceeds the adult upper intake level and may cause nausea even though copper is included.

View ingredientView products
Loading alternative details
87 Performance

Zinc Balance

Jarrow Formulas
The focused zinc-and-copper pairing uses meaningful amounts and a sensible mineral balance. Its moderate zinc amount or more sensible zinc-copper balance makes routine use safer and easier to justify than the original’s excessive zinc dose.
87 Performance

Zinc Picolinate 25 mg

Thompson
Picolinate is a well-absorbed zinc form, and the amount is meaningful without crossing the usual adult upper limit. Its moderate zinc amount or more sensible zinc-copper balance makes routine use safer and easier to justify than the original’s excessive zinc dose.
87 Performance

Zinc Picolinate 22 mg

Solgar
Picolinate offers strong absorption potential at a useful maintenance amount. Its moderate zinc amount or more sensible zinc-copper balance makes routine use safer and easier to justify than the original’s excessive zinc dose.
84 Budget

Zinc Gluconate 30 mg

Swanson
Gluconate provides reasonable absorption at a substantial zinc amount. It supplies useful zinc at lower recurring cost and avoids the original’s excessive 50 mg amount, although copper is often absent.
85 Budget

Zinc 30 mg

Nature Made
Zinc gluconate provides a meaningful amount in a focused, very inexpensive tablet. It supplies useful zinc at lower recurring cost and avoids the original’s excessive 50 mg amount, although copper is often absent.
85 Budget

Zinc Chelate 30 mg

Nature's Way
Zinc bisglycinate provides a well-absorbed form at a robust daily amount. It supplies useful zinc at lower recurring cost and avoids the original’s excessive 50 mg amount, although copper is often absent.
86 Value

L-OptiZinc 30 mg

NOW
Zinc monomethionine provides excellent absorption potential at a substantial amount. It offers an absorbable zinc form and economical serving while avoiding the original’s high-dose safety drawback, though copper support remains limited.
85 Value

Chelated Zinc 30 mg

Swanson
A branded glycinate chelate offers excellent absorption potential at a substantial amount. It offers an absorbable zinc form and economical serving while avoiding the original’s high-dose safety drawback, though copper support remains limited.
85 Value

OptiZinc

Source Naturals
Zinc methionine provides a well-absorbed chelated form at a robust amount, and added copper offers partial balance. It offers an absorbable zinc form and economical serving while avoiding the original’s high-dose safety drawback, though copper support remains limited.
Report alternatives

Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. Effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate and zinc chloride mouthwashes in the treatment of oral mucositis and quality of life in patients with cancer under chemotherapy.
    Mohammadi F; Oshvandi K; Kamallan SR; Khazaei S; Ranjbar H; Ahmadi-Motamayel F; Gillespie M; Jenabi E; Vafaei SY · Nursing open · 2022
    Randomized trial144 participantsGeneral Health forZinc
  2. Zinc supplementation in young children with acute diarrhea in India.
    Sazawal S; Black RE; Bhan MK; Bhandari N; Sinha A; Jalla S · The New England journal of medicine · 1995
    Randomized trial937 participantsGeneral Health forZinc
  3. Associations of mortality with ocular disorders and an intervention of high-dose antioxidants and zinc in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study: AREDS Report No. 13.
    Clemons TE; Kurinij N; Sperduto RD; AREDS Research Group · Archives of ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960) · 2004
    Randomized trial4,753 participantsGeneral Health forZinc
  4. Effects of zinc and probiotic co-supplementation on inflammation, gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life, and mood in irritable bowel syndrome patients.
    Rezazadegan M; Soheilipour M; Amani R · Scientific reports · 2026
    Randomized trial84 participantsGeneral Health forZinc
  5. Effect of zinc sulfate supplementation on premenstrual syndrome and health-related quality of life: Clinical randomized controlled trial.
    Siahbazi S; Behboudi-Gandevani S; Moghaddam-Banaem L; Montazeri A · The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research · 2018
    Randomized trial142 participantsGeneral Health forZinc
  6. Menkes disease and response to copper histidine: An Indian case series.
    Yoganathan S; Sudhakar SV; Arunachal G; Thomas M; Subramanian A; George R; Danda S · Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology · 2022
    Case series4 participantsHair Health forCopper
  7. Trace element levels in alopecia areata.
    Bhat YJ; Manzoor S; Khan AR; Qayoom S · Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology · 2009
    Case-control study100 participantsHair Health forCopper
  8. UV damage to hair and the effect of antioxidants and metal chelators.
    Millington KR; Marsh JM · International journal of cosmetic science · 2021
    In vitro / ex vivo studyHair Health forCopper
  9. Preserving fibre health: reducing oxidative stress throughout the life of the hair fibre.
    Marsh JM; Davis MG; Lucas RL; Reilman R; Styczynski PB; Li C; Mamak M; McComb DW; Williams RE; Godfrey S; Navqi KR; Chechik V · International journal of cosmetic science · 2016
    In vitro / ex vivo studyHair Health forCopper
  10. [Evaluation of the role of dietary intake in the occurrence of alopecia].
    El Fékih N; Kamoun H; Fazaa B; El Ati J; Zouari B; Kamoun MR; Gaigi S · Revue medicale de Liege · 2010
    Case-control study272 participantsHair Health forIodine
  11. The effects of minoxidil, 1% pyrithione zinc and a combination of both on hair density: a randomized controlled trial.
    Berger RS; Fu JL; Smiles KA; Turner CB; Schnell BM; Werchowski KM; Lammers KM · The British journal of dermatology · 2003
    Randomized trial200 participantsHair Health forZinc
  12. Incubatory environment of the scalp impacts pre-emergent hair to affect post-emergent hair cuticle integrity.
    Schwartz JR; Henry JP; Kerr KM; Flagler MJ; Page SH; Redman-Furey N · Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2018
    Randomized trialHair Health forZinc
  13. A comparison of hair quality and cosmetic acceptance following the use of two anti-dandruff shampoos.
    Draelos ZD; Kenneally DC; Hodges LT; Billhimer W; Copas M; Margraf C · The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings · 2006
    Randomized trial40 participantsHair Health forZinc
  14. BMI and levels of zinc, copper in hair, serum and urine of Turkish male patients with androgenetic alopecia.
    Ozturk P; Kurutas E; Ataseven A; Dokur N; Gumusalan Y; Gorur A; Tamer L; Inaloz S · Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS) · 2015
    Case-control study216 participantsHair Health forZinc
  15. Analysis of serum zinc and copper concentrations in hair loss.
    Kil MS; Kim CW; Kim SS · Annals of dermatology · 2013
    Case-control study342 participantsHair Health forZinc
  16. Nutrient supplementation for prevention of viral respiratory tract infections in healthy subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Vlieg-Boerstra B; de Jong N; Meyer R; Agostoni C; De Cosmi V; Grimshaw K; Milani GP; Muraro A; Oude Elberink H; Pali-Schöll I; Roduit C; Sasaki M; Skypala I; Sokolowska M; van Splunter M; Untersmayr E; Venter C; O'Mahony L; Nwaru BI · Allergy · 2022
    Meta-analysis199,055 participants115 studies pooledImmunity forZinc
  17. Zinc supplementation reduces the incidence of acute lower respiratory infections in infants and preschool children: a double-blind, controlled trial.
    Sazawal S; Black RE; Jalla S; Mazumdar S; Sinha A; Bhan MK · Pediatrics · 1998
    Randomized trial609 participantsImmunity forZinc
  18. A randomized controlled trial of zinc supplementation in the treatment of acute respiratory tract infection in Thai children.
    Rerksuppaphol S; Rerksuppaphol L · Pediatric reports · 2020
    Randomized trial64 participantsImmunity forZinc
  19. The effect of zinc and vitamin A supplementation on immune response in an older population.
    Fortes C; Forastiere F; Agabiti N; Fano V; Pacifici R; Virgili F; Piras G; Guidi L; Bartoloni C; Tricerri A; Zuccaro P; Ebrahim S; Perucci CA · Journal of the American Geriatrics Society · 1998
    Randomized trial136 participantsImmunity forZinc
  20. The role of specific nutrients in preventing immune system and blood cell disorders: an umbrella review.
    Vecchietti A; Strano P; Minutolo G; Grieco V; Cappuccio G; Granvillano G; Confalonieri L; Briganti GL; Raso E; Chimienti M; Pellegrini M; Mercogliano M; Spatari G; Lugli C; Urbano T; Lorenzon A · Journal of preventive medicine and hygiene · 2026
    Systematic review13 studies pooledImmunity forZinc
  21. Noninferiority of Copper Dressings Than Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Healing Diabetic Wounds: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
    Melamed E; Dabbah J; Israel T; Kan I; Pinzur MS; Roth T; Borkow G · Advances in wound care · 2026
    Randomized trialSkin Health forCopper
  22. Improvement of facial skin characteristics using copper oxide containing pillowcases: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel, randomized study.
    Borkow G; Gabbay J; Lyakhovitsky A; Huszar M · International journal of cosmetic science · 2010
    Randomized trial57 participantsSkin Health forCopper
  23. Radially Electrospun Fibrous Membrane Incorporated with Copper Peroxide Nanodots Capable of Self-Catalyzed Chemodynamic Therapy for Angiogenesis and Healing Acceleration of Diabetic Wounds.
    Huang Y; Qi L; Liu Z; Jiang Y; Wang J; Liu L; Li Y; Zhang L; Feng G · ACS applied materials & interfaces · 2023
    Animal experimentSkin Health forCopper
  24. Engineering copper nanoparticle/polysaccharide-immobilized cotton gauze for accelerated healing of Staphylococcus aureus-infected dermal wounds.
    Sahoo M; Banerjee T; Virkar S; Das S; Biswas S; Mitra D · Journal of materials chemistry. B · 2026
    Animal experimentSkin Health forCopper
  25. Stimulation of Healing of Non-Infected Stagnated Diabetic Wounds by Copper Oxide-Impregnated Wound Dressings.
    Melamed E; Rovitsky A; Roth T; Assa L; Borkow G · Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) · 2021
    Single-arm trialSkin Health forCopper
  26. Sex-related differences in response to zinc pyrithione shampoo vs. non-anti-dandruff shampoo.
    Collins LZ; Baines FL; Matheson JR; Turner GA; Diao Y; Li Y; Pi Y · International journal of cosmetic science · 2019
    Meta-analysis2,088 participants20 studies pooledSkin Health forZinc
  27. Maintenance of an Acidic Skin Surface with a Novel Zinc Lactobionate Emollient Preparation Improves Skin Barrier Function in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis.
    Andrew PV; Pinnock A; Poyner A; Brown K; Chittock J; Kay LJ; Cork MJ; Danby SG · Dermatology and therapy · 2024
    Cohort study23 participantsSkin Health forZinc
  28. Spatial expression of metallothionein, matrix metalloproteinase-1 and Ki-67 in human epidermal wounds treated with zinc and determined by quantitative immunohistochemistry: A randomised double-blind trial.
    Ågren MS; Chafranska L; Eriksen JO; Forman JL; Bjerrum MJ; Schjerling P; Larsen HF; Cottarelli E; Jorgensen LN; Gjerdrum LMR · European journal of cell biology · 2021
    Randomized trial30 participantsSkin Health forZinc
  29. A pilot trial using topical regular crystalline insulin vs. aqueous zinc solution for uncomplicated cutaneous wound healing: Impact on quality of life.
    Attia EA; Belal DM; El Samahy MH; El Hamamsy MH · Wound repair and regeneration : official publication of the Wound Healing Society [and] the European Tissue Repair Society · 2014
    Randomized trial90 participantsSkin Health forZinc
  30. Evidence-Based Nutritional Interventions in Wound Care.
    Saeg F; Orazi R; Bowers GM; Janis JE · Plastic and reconstructive surgery · 2021
    Systematic review2,339 participants36 studies pooledSkin Health forZinc
  31. Environmental exposure to metals and male reproductive hormones: circulating testosterone is inversely associated with blood molybdenum.
    Meeker JD; Rossano MG; Protas B; Padmanahban V; Diamond MP; Puscheck E; Daly D; Paneth N; Wirth JJ · Fertility and sterility · 2010
    Cross-sectional study219 participantsTestosterone Support forZinc
  32. Nonpharmacological Interventions for the Management of Testosterone and Sperm Parameters: A Scoping Review.
    Santos HO; Cadegiani FA; Forbes SC · Clinical therapeutics · 2022
    Scoping reviewTestosterone Support forZinc
  33. Zinc is an Essential Element for Male Fertility: A Review of Zn Roles in Men's Health, Germination, Sperm Quality, and Fertilization.
    Fallah A; Mohammad-Hasani A; Colagar AH · Journal of reproduction & infertility · 2020
    Narrative reviewTestosterone Support forZinc
  34. Clinical, endocrinological and biochemical effects of zinc deficiency.
    Prasad AS · Clinics in endocrinology and metabolism · 1986
    Narrative reviewTestosterone Support forZinc
  35. Clinical, endocrinologic, and biochemical effects of zinc deficiency.
    Prasad AS · Special topics in endocrinology and metabolism · 1986
    Narrative reviewTestosterone Support forZinc
  36. What did we learn in 35 years of research on nutrition and supplements for age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review.
    Pameijer EM; Heus P; Damen JAA; Spijker R; Hooft L; Ringens PJ; Imhof SM; van Leeuwen R · Acta ophthalmologica · 2023
    Systematic review27 studies pooledVision Support forCopper
  37. Dietary Nutrient Intake and Progression to Late Age-Related Macular Degeneration in the Age-Related Eye Disease Studies 1 and 2.
    Agrón E; Mares J; Clemons TE; Swaroop A; Chew EY; Keenan TDL; AREDS and AREDS2 Research Groups · Ophthalmology · 2021
    Cohort study8,242 participantsVision Support forCopper
  38. Association between late age-related macular degeneration and dietary intake of copper, iron, zinc and selenium: a 2005-2008 NHANES cross-sectional observational study.
    Lu Y; Li C; Liu Y; Wu T; Lu P · BMC ophthalmology · 2025
    Observational study4,996 participantsVision Support forCopper
  39. Associations between dietary nutrient intake and the risk of multiple age-related ocular diseases: evidence from longitudinal analysis.
    Yang Y; Zou H · The journal of nutrition, health & aging · 2026
    Cohort study103,192 participantsVision Support forCopper
  40. Dietary habits and dietary nutrient intake in patients with age-related macular degeneration: A case-control study.
    Šalková Kráľová J; Kolář P; Kapounová Z; Veselý P; Derflerová Brázdová Z · Central European journal of public health · 2023
    Case-control study151 participantsVision Support forCopper
  41. Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for age-related macular degeneration.
    Evans JR · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2002
    Systematic review170 participants7 studies pooledVision Support forZinc
  42. Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements for slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration.
    Evans JR; Lawrenson JG · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2023
    Meta-analysis3,790 participants5 studies pooledVision Support forZinc
  43. Oral zinc in macular degeneration.
    Newsome DA; Swartz M; Leone NC; Elston RC; Miller E · Archives of ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960) · 1988
    Randomized trial151 participantsVision Support forZinc
  44. A randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of high-dose supplementation with vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration and vision loss: AREDS report no. 8.
    Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group · Archives of ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960) · 2001
    Randomized trial3,640 participantsVision Support forZinc
  45. Effect of vitamin A and zinc supplementation on the nutriture of children in Northeast Thailand.
    Udomkesmalee E; Dhanamitta S; Sirisinha S; Charoenkiatkul S; Tuntipopipat S; Banjong O; Rojroongwasinkul N; Kramer TR; Smith JC · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 1992
    Randomized trial133 participantsVision Support forZinc