Skip to main content
Supplement ScienceSupplementScience

Copper Dosage Guide

Evidence:Moderate
·

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

General Dosage

0.9-2mg daily

Maximum dose: 10mg/day (NIH UL); liver toxicity possible above this

Dosage Recommendations

General recommendation: 0.9-2mg daily

Timing: With food to reduce nausea; separate from zinc supplements by 2 hours if taking both individually • Take with food for best absorption.

Dosage by Condition

Zinc-induced copper depletion prevention
1-2mg daily when taking >30mg zincStrong
General health
0.9mg daily (RDA)Moderate
Connective tissue support
1-2mg dailyEmerging

Upper limit: 10mg/day (NIH UL); liver toxicity possible above this

Timing & Absorption

With food to reduce nausea; separate from zinc supplements by 2 hours if taking both individually

Best taken with food for optimal absorption.

Full Copper Guide

References

  1. Case reportWillis MS, Monaghan SA, Miller ML, et al. (2005). Zinc-induced copper deficiency: a report of three cases initially recognized on bone marrow examination. American Journal of Clinical Pathology. DOI PubMed
  2. RCTTurnlund JR, Jacob RA, Keen CL, et al. (2004). Long-term high copper intake: effects on indexes of copper status, antioxidant status, and immune function in young men. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. DOI PubMed
  3. ReviewBost M, Houdart S, Oberli M, Kalonji E, Huneau JF, Margaritis I (2016). Dietary copper and human health: Current evidence and unresolved issues. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology. DOI PubMed
  4. Meta-analysisZhou H, Zhang Y, Tian T, Wang B, et al. (2025). Meta-analysis of the Relationship Between Zinc and Copper in Patients with Osteoarthritis.. Biological trace element research. DOI PubMed
  5. Muñoz-Bravo C, Marín-Burdallo I, González-Herrera L, González-Palacios Torres C, et al. (2025). Copper in colorectal cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Carcinogenesis. DOI PubMed
  6. Gutiérrez-Guerra MA, Puerto-Parejo LM, Pastor-Ramón E, Pedrera-Canal M, et al. (2025). Dietary Copper Intake and Bone Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.. Calcified tissue international. DOI PubMed
  7. Meta-analysisAnam K, Ananyan S, Rishabh M, Dinesh A, et al. (2024). Zinc, copper, and selenium levels in vitiligo: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Scientific reports. DOI PubMed
Show 4 more references
  1. Heuschele J, Lode T, Konestabo HS, Titelman J, et al. (2022). Drivers of copper sensitivity in copepods: A meta-analysis of LC50s.. Ecotoxicology and environmental safety. DOI PubMed
  2. Jiang Q, Zhang F, Han L, Zhu B, et al. (2021). Serum Copper Level and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis.. Gynecologic and obstetric investigation. DOI PubMed
  3. Gu K, Li X, Xiang W, Jiang X (2020). The Relationship Between Serum Copper and Overweight/Obesity: a Meta-analysis.. Biological trace element research. DOI PubMed
  4. Genoud S, Senior AM, Hare DJ, Double KL (2020). Meta-Analysis of Copper and Iron in Parkinson's Disease Brain and Biofluids.. Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society. DOI PubMed