Compound or practice · Supplement
Copper
Rarely needed alone — it earns a place mainly because high-dose zinc drains it.
- Overall grade
- Grade C
- Last revised
- 1
- graded outcome
- 0
- references listed
A structured monograph in Prometheus's bundled library. Its grades are the monograph's own reading of the evidence, not a peer-reviewed review.
1 at grade B — 1 graded row
What is known
Each outcome with its grade (how strong the evidence is, A to D), the size of the effect where the entry records one, and how often studies agree.
- Zinc-induced deficiency correctionEvidence grade B
Resolves anemia/neuropathy
Moderatehigh
What is uncertain
Read off the same rows as above. Nothing here is added that the entry does not itself record.
- Watch with Zinc: The reason it's on the map — zinc drives copper down.
Interactions
Documented pairings with supplements and medicines. A medicine on this list is a conversation for whoever prescribes it.
ZincDepletes a nutrient
The reason it's on the map — zinc drives copper down.
The evidence in words
What it is
Copper is an essential trace mineral cofactor for iron metabolism, connective-tissue crosslinking, and antioxidant enzymes. Frank dietary deficiency is uncommon; the usual cause of low copper is induced deficiency from high-dose zinc.
How it works
Copper enzymes (ceruloplasmin, lysyl oxidase, superoxide dismutase) load iron onto transport proteins, crosslink collagen and elastin, and defend against oxidative stress.
What the evidence shows
Correcting deficiency resolves the anemia and neuropathy it causes. There is no good evidence for supplementing copper in replete people, and excess copper is pro-oxidant. Its practical relevance is as the counterweight to zinc supplementation.
How to use it
Only supplement if a clinician identifies deficiency or if you take high-dose zinc long-term (roughly 1–2 mg copper per 15 mg zinc).
Safety & interactions
Excess causes GI symptoms and, chronically, liver and neurological harm. Balance with zinc rather than dosing high. Zinc — The reason it's on the map — zinc drives copper down.
Bottom line
Not a standalone supplement for most people — its job is to keep high-dose zinc from causing a copper deficiency.
How it is used
As the entry records it, from the studies it summarises. Not a recommendation for you — doses that suit a trial population may not suit you.
- With high-dose zinc
- ~1–2 mg copper per 15 mg zinc.
Related reading
Entries that share this one's tags or conditions.
- Copper for Zinc-induced deficiency correctionEvidence grade B — Resolves anemia/neuropathyEvidence grade B
- Copper: dosage and how to take it~1–2 mg copper per 15 mg zinc.Evidence grade C
- Copper: side effects, safety & interactionsExcess causes GI symptoms and, chronically, liver and neurological harm. Balance with zinc rather than dosing high.Evidence grade C
- SiliconA trace element with modest bone and hair/skin/nail signals via collagen support.Evidence grade C
Sources
This entry lists no references of its own.
Last revised . A grade is this entry's reading of the evidence, not medical advice.