Supplement
Copper is an essential mineral that helps enzymes handle iron, build connective tissue and make the pigment melanin. People with celiac disease can run low, which is why it draws attention there, though the evidence for that use is limited. The strongest research came from copper deficiency, where blood copper and ceruloplasmin levels went up.
- Updated
- How we grade
- Best evidence
- Grade A
- Conditions studied
- 9
- Outcomes
- 16
- Graded outcomes
- 2651
Evidence by condition
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serum Copper Levels Large Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Large effect | 500 people | |||
| Ceruloplasmin Levels Large Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Large effect | 400 people |
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOD Activity Moderate Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect | 450 people | |||
| Oxidative Stress Markers Moderate Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Moderate effect | 320 people |
Immune Function
- Neutrophil Function: improves
- Immune Cell Counts: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neutrophil Function Moderate Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect | 200 people | |||
| Immune Cell Counts Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 180 people |
Bone Health
- Bone Mineral Density: improves
- Bone Turnover Markers: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bone Mineral Density Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 280 people | |||
| Bone Turnover Markers Small Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 150 people |
Iron Metabolism
- Hemoglobin Levels: improves
- Serum Iron: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hemoglobin Levels Moderate Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect | 250 people | |||
| Serum Iron Moderate Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect | 200 people |
Cardiovascular Health
- LDL Oxidation: improves
- Blood Pressure
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LDL Oxidation Small Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 120 people | |||
| Blood Pressure No Effect | NoneNo effect | 180 people |
Neurological Function
- Dopamine Metabolism: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dopamine Metabolism Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 80 people |
Skin Health
- Skin Elasticity: improves
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Elasticity Small Increase | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 120 people |
Wound Healing
- Wound Closure Rate
- Collagen Synthesis
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wound Closure Rate | ||||||
| Collagen Synthesis |
Key findings
- Serum Copper LevelsImproves (the measure goes up)
- Ceruloplasmin LevelsImproves (the measure goes up)
- SOD ActivityImproves (the measure goes up)
Shop the evidence-backed picks
Where to buy · affiliate links
- ThorneCopper BisglycinateBuy on Thorne
- iHerbNOW Foods Copper Glycinate, 3 mg, 120 TabletsBuy on iHerb
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices and stock are on the retailer's page.
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Copper products we can link to, in the forms the graded studies used where we can match them.
- Grade A
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