Best Copper Supplements (2026)

Copper is an essential trace mineral that plays a critical role in iron absorption, red blood cell formation, immune function, and collagen synthesis. While most people get adequate copper through diet, those with absorption issues, celiac disease, or high zinc intake may benefit from targeted supplementation. The best copper supplements use highly bioavailable chelated forms for optimal absorption.

Quick Comparison

Product	Copper Form	Dosage	Best For	Rating
Pure Encapsulations Copper Glycinate	Copper Glycinate	2 mg	Best Overall	4.7/5
NOW Foods Copper Glycinate	Albion Copper Glycinate	3 mg	Best Value	4.6/5
Solgar Chelated Copper	Copper Amino Acid Chelate	2.5 mg	Best Chelated	4.5/5
Swanson Copper	Copper Chelate	2 mg	Best Budget	4.5/5
Trace Minerals Ionic Copper	Liquid Ionic Copper	2 mg per serving	Best Liquid	4.5/5
SOLARAY Copper Bisglycinate	Copper Bisglycinate	2 mg	Best for Sensitive Stomachs	4.4/5
Thorne Copper Bisglycinate	Copper Bisglycinate	2 mg	Best Premium	4.6/5

1. Pure Encapsulations Copper Glycinate – Best Overall

No products found.

Pure Encapsulations sets the standard for clean, hypoallergenic supplements, and their Copper Glycinate delivers 2 mg of highly bioavailable copper in a formula free from unnecessary additives.

Each capsule provides 2 mg of copper as copper glycinate, a chelated form that’s gentle on the stomach and efficiently absorbed. Pure Encapsulations is known for their rigorous quality control and commitment to excluding common allergens. The formula is free from gluten, GMOs, soy, dairy, wheat, and artificial ingredients. Manufactured in a GMP-certified facility with third-party testing for potency and purity. Each bottle contains 60 capsules for a 2-month supply.

• Pros:
• Hypoallergenic formula free from all major allergens
• Highly bioavailable copper glycinate form
• Trusted by healthcare practitioners

• Cons:
• Higher price point than mass-market brands
• Only 60 capsules per bottle

Best for: Anyone who wants a clean, practitioner-grade copper supplement with no fillers

2. NOW Foods Copper Glycinate – Best Value

No products found.

NOW Foods combines Albion-branded copper glycinate at a 3 mg dose with 120 tablets per bottle, delivering one of the best cost-per-serving values in the copper supplement category.

Each tablet provides 3 mg of copper as Albion copper glycinate, a patented chelated form known for superior absorption. Albion minerals are the gold standard in chelated mineral supplementation, backed by extensive research on bioavailability. The 120-tablet bottle provides a 4-month supply at one tablet per day. NOW Foods is NPA A-rated GMP certified, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Kosher. Free from soy, gluten, dairy, and eggs.

• Pros:
• Uses patented Albion copper glycinate for proven absorption
• 120 tablets per bottle — exceptional value
• NOW Foods’ rigorous GMP manufacturing standards

• Cons:
• 3 mg dose may be higher than needed for some individuals
• Tablet form rather than capsule

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a proven chelated copper at an unbeatable price

3. Solgar Chelated Copper – Best Chelated

No products found.

Solgar’s Chelated Copper provides 2.5 mg of copper in a highly bioavailable amino acid chelate form, backed by one of the most trusted names in the supplement industry with over 75 years of heritage.

Each tablet delivers copper as an amino acid chelate, a form specifically designed for enhanced absorption compared to standard copper oxide or sulfate. Solgar’s chelation process bonds the copper to amino acids, mirroring the way the body naturally absorbs minerals from food. The 100-tablet bottle provides over 3 months of daily supplementation. Non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and Kosher certified. Manufactured without artificial flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, or colors.

• Pros:
• Amino acid chelate form for superior absorption
• Over 75 years of brand heritage and quality
• Suitable for vegans, gluten-free and Kosher

• Cons:
• Tablets may be slightly large for some users
• 2.5 mg dose is slightly above the standard RDA

Best for: Those who want a highly bioavailable chelated copper from a heritage brand

4. Swanson Copper – Best Budget

Swanson’s Copper supplement offers an incredible 300 tablets per bottle at one of the lowest price points in the category, making it the clear winner for long-term supplementation on a budget.

Each tablet provides 2 mg of copper as copper chelate, meeting the full recommended daily value. The 300-tablet bottle provides a 10-month supply, making it one of the most economical copper supplements available. Swanson has been a trusted name in supplements since 1969, manufacturing to high quality standards. The formula supports antioxidant activity, immune function, and cellular health.

• Pros:
• 300 tablets per bottle — nearly a year’s supply
• Extremely affordable price per serving
• Trusted brand with 50+ years of heritage

• Cons:
• Standard chelate form, not glycinate
• Contains common fillers like dicalcium phosphate

Best for: Budget shoppers who want straightforward copper supplementation at the lowest cost

5. Trace Minerals Ionic Copper – Best Liquid

No products found.

Trace Minerals delivers copper in a liquid ionic form that offers rapid absorption and easy dosing flexibility — ideal for those who have difficulty swallowing pills or want to add copper to beverages.

Each serving provides 2 mg of copper in an ionic liquid concentrate that can be mixed with water or juice. The liquid form bypasses the dissolution step required by tablets and capsules, potentially allowing for faster absorption. The 2 fl oz bottle provides 48 servings with a dropper for precise dosing. This format is particularly useful for individuals who need to adjust their copper intake in small increments. Trace Minerals Research is a well-respected brand in the mineral supplement space.

• Pros:
• Liquid form for rapid absorption and flexible dosing
• Easy to add to water, juice, or smoothies
• Great for people who can’t swallow pills

• Cons:
• Metallic taste when taken straight
• Fewer servings per bottle than tablet options

Best for: People who prefer liquid supplements or need flexible dosing options

6. SOLARAY Copper Bisglycinate – Best for Sensitive Stomachs

No products found.

SOLARAY’s Copper Bisglycinate is formulated specifically for gentle absorption, using the bisglycinate chelate form that’s known for being easy on the digestive system.

Each capsule delivers 2 mg of copper as copper bisglycinate, one of the gentlest and most bioavailable forms of supplemental copper. The bisglycinate form is less likely to cause the stomach upset that can occur with non-chelated copper forms like copper oxide or copper sulfate. SOLARAY is a well-established brand with a 60-day guarantee and lab-verified quality. Each bottle contains 100 capsules for over a 3-month supply. Vegan-friendly formula.

• Pros:
• Bisglycinate form is gentle on the stomach
• 100 capsules per bottle — great supply
• 60-day satisfaction guarantee

• Cons:
• Mid-range pricing
• Capsules contain rice flour as a filler

Best for: Anyone with a sensitive stomach who needs a copper supplement that won’t cause digestive discomfort

7. Thorne Copper Bisglycinate – Best Premium

No products found.

Thorne is one of the most respected names in clinical-grade supplements, and their Copper Bisglycinate delivers 2 mg of highly absorbed copper in a formula trusted by elite athletes and healthcare professionals.

Each capsule provides 2 mg of copper as copper bisglycinate chelate, manufactured to Thorne’s exceptionally high standards. Thorne is one of the few supplement companies certified by NSF International for Sport, meaning their products are tested for banned substances and trusted by professional athletes. The formula contains no gluten, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, dairy, fish, shellfish, or artificial preservatives. Manufactured in a TGA-registered facility.

• Pros:
• NSF Certified for Sport — tested for banned substances
• Clinical-grade quality trusted by healthcare professionals
• Exceptionally clean ingredient profile

• Cons:
• Premium pricing reflects clinical-grade quality
• 60 capsules per bottle — only a 2-month supply

Best for: Athletes, health professionals, and anyone who wants the highest quality standards in their copper supplement

8. Bluebonnet Albion Chelated Copper – Best for Immune Support

No products found.

Bluebonnet combines Albion-branded chelated copper with a clean, allergen-free formula in an easy-to-swallow vegetable capsule designed for maximum bioavailability.

Each capsule provides 3 mg of copper as Albion chelated copper, a patented form that uses amino acid chelation for enhanced absorption. Bluebonnet is known for their commitment to whole-food-based, clean supplementation. The 90-capsule bottle provides a 3-month supply. Free from gluten, soy, dairy, and common allergens. Kosher certified and suitable for vegetarians. Manufactured in the USA with rigorous quality testing.

• Pros:
• Uses patented Albion chelated copper minerals
• Clean formula with no common allergens
• 90 capsules for a full 3-month supply

• Cons:
• 3 mg dose exceeds the RDA for most adults
• Slightly higher price than basic copper tablets

Best for: Those who want a well-absorbed Albion-branded copper supplement from a clean, trusted brand

How to Choose the Best Copper Supplement

The form of copper matters significantly for absorption. Chelated forms — where copper is bonded to amino acids like glycinate or bisglycinate — are the most bioavailable and gentlest on the stomach. Albion minerals are considered the gold standard in chelated supplementation. Avoid copper oxide and copper sulfate, which are poorly absorbed and more likely to cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Copper glycinate and copper bisglycinate are the preferred forms for daily supplementation.

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for copper in adults is 0.9 mg, with an upper tolerable limit of 10 mg. Most supplements provide 2-3 mg per serving, which is adequate for addressing mild deficiency or supporting those with increased needs. Do not exceed 10 mg per day without medical supervision, as copper toxicity can cause nausea, liver damage, and other serious health issues. If you also take zinc supplements, be aware that zinc and copper compete for absorption — a common ratio is 15 mg zinc to 1 mg copper.

Consider your specific needs when choosing a format. Tablets and capsules are the most common and convenient. Liquid copper is ideal for those who have difficulty swallowing pills or need to adjust their dose in small increments. If you have digestive sensitivities, opt for a bisglycinate form, which is the gentlest on the stomach. Look for products that are third-party tested and manufactured in GMP-certified facilities.

Check for certifications that match your dietary requirements. If you follow a vegan, gluten-free, or Kosher diet, verify the label. Some copper supplements include additional nutrients like zinc, vitamin C, or other trace minerals. These combination products can be convenient but make it harder to control individual mineral intake. Standalone copper supplements offer more precise dosing flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is copper and why is it important?

Copper is an essential trace mineral that the body cannot produce on its own. It plays a critical role in forming red blood cells, maintaining healthy bones and connective tissue, supporting immune function, aiding iron absorption, and acting as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD). Copper also contributes to melanin production, nerve function, and energy metabolism.

How much copper should I take daily?

The RDA for copper in adults is 0.9 mg (900 mcg). Most copper supplements provide 2-3 mg per serving, which is safe and within the tolerable range. The upper limit for adults is 10 mg per day. Pregnant and breastfeeding women need slightly more at 1.0-1.3 mg per day. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting supplementation, especially if you take other mineral supplements.

When is the best time to take copper supplements?

Copper supplements can be taken at any time of day, but taking them with food may reduce the risk of stomach upset. Avoid taking copper at the same time as zinc supplements, as they compete for the same absorption pathways. If you take both, separate them by at least 2 hours. Some practitioners recommend taking copper in the morning and zinc in the evening, or vice versa.

What are the signs of copper deficiency?

Symptoms of copper deficiency include fatigue, frequent illness, weak or brittle bones, problems with memory and learning, difficulty walking, increased cold sensitivity, pale skin, premature gray hair, and vision loss. Copper deficiency is relatively uncommon but can occur in people with celiac disease, Menkes disease, those who take high doses of zinc, or those who have undergone gastric surgery.

Can I take copper with other supplements?

Copper interacts with several nutrients. Zinc is the most important — high zinc intake can deplete copper levels, so if you supplement with zinc (especially over 40 mg/day), you should consider adding copper. Vitamin C in very high doses may reduce copper absorption. Iron and copper work synergistically, as copper helps the body absorb and use iron. Avoid taking copper with antacids, which may reduce absorption.

How long does it take for copper supplements to work?

If you have a genuine copper deficiency, you may notice improvements in energy levels and general well-being within 2-4 weeks. Blood markers like ceruloplasmin and serum copper levels may take 4-8 weeks to normalize. For cosmetic benefits like reducing premature graying, allow 2-3 months of consistent supplementation. Results vary based on the severity of deficiency and individual absorption rates.