Copper

What is copper, and why supplement it?

Copper is an essential trace mineral involved in forming red blood cells and connective tissue, moving iron around the body, and supporting antioxidant enzymes and the nervous system. Most people get enough from food, but some supplement it — often to balance a higher zinc intake, since extra zinc taken over time can reduce how much copper the body absorbs. That's why you'll see copper on its own and paired with zinc.

Copper forms

• Copper glycinate / bisglycinate — copper bound to the amino acid glycine, a gentle, well-absorbed chelated form (often 1 mg).
• Copper citrate — copper bound to citric acid, another common chelated option (often 2 mg).
• Zinc-copper formulas — copper paired with zinc in a set ratio, made to keep the two minerals in balance.
• In multivitamins & minerals — many multivitamins already include a little copper, so check before adding more.

How much copper, and the zinc balance

Copper supplements are usually small — often 1 to 2 mg — because the body needs only a little. If you take zinc regularly, a common approach is to include some copper to keep the ratio in check, and many zinc formulas already do this. Copper sold in Canada carries a Natural Product Number (NPN). Because copper and iron interact and needs vary, check with your pharmacist if you take other minerals or have a health condition.

Copper supplements in Canada

Every copper supplement here is licensed for sale in Canada and ships from our Ontario warehouse. Stock can vary by product, so the live collection above shows what's currently available.