MineralNo.021
Copper
Iron metabolism, connective tissue, nerves.
Typical / RDA900 mcg
Upper limit10,000 mcg
EvidenceModerate
How to take it
Timing With a mealFood OptionalForm Usually in multis
What to know
Rarely supplemented alone. Its main relevance is the flip side of zinc: chronic high zinc depletes copper, so heavy zinc users should watch this balance.
Interactions & cautions
- High-dose zinc is the main cause of copper deficiency.
Do you actually need it?
Only relevant if you take a lot of zinc long-term.
Questions people ask about copper
- Selenium and Copper: Interaction, Absorption, and SafetySelenium and copper are generally safe to take together. The key interaction to watch is how high-dose zinc can deplete copper, not a direct selenium-copper conflict.
- How much copper is too much daily?The tolerable upper intake level for copper is 10,000 mcg daily. Learn how to avoid exceeding this limit and the importance of balancing copper with zinc.
Reference values: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, adult general population. Educational information only — not medical advice. Confirm with a healthcare professional.