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Overview: Copper is a mineral that is commonly used to prevent or treat low levels of copper in the body. It is available over the counter as a supplement and is usually well tolerated. But taking too much copper can be harmful. Before taking copper, tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.

Uses

What is copper used for?

Copper is commonly used to treat or prevent low levels of copper from various causes.

Copper is available as a dietary supplement in various strengths and dosage forms. It is also found as an ingredient in some multivitamins.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed copper dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does copper work (mechanism of action)?

Copper is an essential trace mineral. This means that your body needs this mineral to function, but only in very small amounts. Your body uses copper for many important functions, such as making energy, regulating your genes, and preventing damage to your cells.

In the United States, most people get enough copper from their diet. It is found in many different foods, including shellfish, whole grains, seeds, nuts, and chocolate. For most adults, the recommended daily intake of copper is 900 micrograms (mcg). However, some people either do not get enough from their diet or have trouble absorbing it. When this happens, you can take copper supplements to replace what you are not getting from your diet.

How should I store copper?

You should store copper according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of copper?

Copper seems to be well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of copper that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of copper?

While less common, the most serious side effects of copper are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Copper may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using copper and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use copper?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use copper.

  • Copper (Cu)
  • Cupric chloride
  • Cupric oxide
  • Cupric sulfate
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific copper products they stock.

What should I know about copper before using it?

Copper is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep copper out of the reach of children.

Dietary supplements may contain many different forms of copper. Some examples include copper amino acid chelates, copper gluconate, cupric oxide, and cupric sulfate. It is not clear if any of these forms of copper work differently in the body.

You can get copper from several places, including foods and other vitamins or supplements. Many multivitamin and combination supplement products have copper in them. It is important not to take too much copper. Too much copper from supplements can be harmful. If you are not sure how much copper you need or if you need a copper supplement, talk to your health care provider.

The FDA has not tested copper products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using copper?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if copper is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Wilson’s Disease. If you have Wilson’s disease, your body is not able to get rid of copper. This causes your copper levels to get too high. If you have Wilson’s disease, you should not take copper supplements. Speak to your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Celiac disease
  • A rare condition known as Menkes’ disease
  • Liver or gallbladder problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Copper may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking copper, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how copper could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Copper passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does copper interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between copper and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect copper.

Does copper interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any products that contain zinc. Some examples include denture creams and zinc supplements, such as zinc acetate, zinc gluconate, or zinc sulfate. Large amounts of zinc can reduce your body’s ability to absorb copper from foods or supplements.

The interactions between copper and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with copper is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking copper with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much copper?

If you or someone else has used too much copper, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Copper may be found in dietary supplements as a single ingredient. It is also found in some multivitamin products. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take copper safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.