Ingredient Repository · Ingredient

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Ingredient

Copper

Essential trace mineral cofactor required for hemoglobin synthesis, iron transport, antioxidant defense, and connective tissue synthesis.

What it is

Copper (as bioavailable copper gluconate or copper bisglycinate) is an essential trace mineral present in cuproenzymes such as ceruloplasmin, cytochrome c oxidase, and superoxide dismutase. In Velobiotics multivitamin formulations (PregBiotics, Her-Biotics, His-Biotics), copper is delivered in balanced ratios with zinc and iron, paired with microencapsulated probiotics for optimal transport and enzyme synthesis.

Also known as: Copper Gluconate, Copper Bisglycinate

What it does

  • Enables iron oxidation via ceruloplasmin, driving transferrin loading and red blood cell maturation.
  • Acts as an essential cofactor for superoxide dismutase to neutralize intracellular superoxide radicals.
  • Supports collagen and elastin cross-linking via lysyl oxidase for arterial and tissue integrity.
  • Participates in mitochondrial ATP energy production via cytochrome c oxidase.

Amplified by probiotics

Copper absorption occurs predominantly in the upper small intestine. Probiotic lactic acid bacteria generate organic acids (lactic acid and acetic acid) that lower gastrointestinal pH, keeping cupric ions (Cu2+) in a soluble state and preventing the formation of insoluble copper hydroxides. Additionally, probiotic phytase activity degrades dietary phytates that would otherwise chelate copper. By suppressing intestinal inflammatory cytokines, live probiotics preserve enterocyte brush-border CCTR1 transporter expression for optimal transcellular copper absorption.

Typical dose

0.9–2.0 mg/day

The evidence

Evidence: strong

Human studies validate copper's indispensable role in ceruloplasmin function, iron utilization, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant enzymatic defense. Balanced copper-to-zinc ratios prevent secondary copper deficiency. (Bost M, et al. 2016, J Trace Elem Med Biol; Collins JF, et al. 2010, Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol; Uriu-Adams JY, Keen CL. 2005, Mol Aspects Med).

  1. Bost M, et al. Dietary copper intake will obviously affect human health. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2016;35:166-171 PubMed ↗
  2. Collins JF, et al. Molecular mechanisms of intestinal copper absorption. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2010;298(4):G462-G471 PubMed ↗
  3. Uriu-Adams JY, Keen CL. Copper, oxidative stress, and human health. Mol Aspects Med. 2005;26(4-5):268-298 PubMed ↗

Safety & who should check first

Tolerable Upper Intake Level is 10 mg/day. Excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Always balance high-dose zinc supplementation with copper to prevent induced copper deficiency.