Nutrition Diet: What is copper bisglycinate used for?

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

Copper is an essential mineral involved in numerous bodily functions, from energy metabolism to immune health. A highly absorbable version, copper bisglycinate, is used as a supplement to ensure the body efficiently utilizes this vital trace element.

Quick Summary

Copper bisglycinate is a highly bioavailable, chelated form of copper used to support immune function, connective tissue, energy metabolism, and skin health. It is often supplemented to correct deficiencies or counteract high zinc intake.

Key Points

High Bioavailability: Copper bisglycinate is a chelated form that may offer superior absorption and excellent tolerability compared to other copper supplements.
Supports Immune Function: The mineral is crucial for immune cell activity, and supplementation can help prevent impaired immune response linked to deficiency.
Promotes Connective and Skin Health: It is vital for the synthesis of collagen and elastin, contributing to healthy skin, bones, and blood vessels.
Essential for Energy Metabolism: Copper aids in energy production (ATP) and the proper functioning of the nervous system.
Helps Balance Zinc Intake: It can be used to help prevent copper deficiency, which may be caused by high intake of zinc supplementation.
Aids Iron Transport: Copper is required for the body to potentially properly absorb and utilize iron, essential for red blood cell formation.
Enhanced Absorption: The chelated structure may help reduce competition with other minerals for absorption, potentially ensuring efficient uptake.

What is Copper Bisglycinate?

Copper bisglycinate is a chelated form of copper, meaning the mineral is bound to two glycine amino acid molecules. This unique chemical structure offers a distinct advantage over other common forms of copper found in supplements, such as copper citrate or copper sulfate. The chelation process protects the copper from being degraded or competing with other minerals, like zinc, for absorption in the gut. Instead, the body absorbs the copper bisglycinate as an amino acid, allowing for more efficient and rapid transport into the bloodstream. This high bioavailability and excellent tolerability make copper bisglycinate a preferred choice for targeted supplementation, especially for individuals with absorption issues or specific nutritional needs.

Primary Uses and Health Benefits

Supporting Immune System Function

Adequate copper levels are vital for a properly functioning immune system. Research indicates that copper deficiency can significantly compromise immune response by affecting the activity and proliferation of key immune cells, including lymphocytes. Copper bisglycinate helps ensure that the body has a readily available supply of this mineral to maintain robust immune defenses and protect against pathogens.

Promoting Connective Tissue and Skin Health

Copper is a critical component for the synthesis of collagen and elastin, the primary structural proteins that provide strength and elasticity to connective tissues. This extends to the health of skin, bones, and blood vessels. By supporting the body's natural production of these proteins, copper bisglycinate aids in maintaining the integrity and appearance of the skin and overall connective tissue health. It also contributes to the normal pigmentation of skin and hair.

Boosting Energy Metabolism

The trace mineral plays an essential role in normal energy-yielding metabolism and the function of the nervous system. It acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in cellular respiration, the process that generates the body's primary energy source, ATP. A deficiency can lead to fatigue and affect neurological function. Therefore, supplementing with a highly absorbable form like copper bisglycinate helps ensure efficient energy production and nervous system health.

Assisting Iron Transport and Red Blood Cell Formation

Copper is essential for the proper utilization of iron in the body and the creation of red blood cells. It facilitates the transport of iron from storage to where it is needed for red blood cell formation. A copper deficiency can, therefore, lead to an inability to properly use iron, potentially contributing to anemia, even when iron intake is sufficient. For this reason, it can be a valuable supplement to address underlying causes of anemia.

Counteracting Zinc-Induced Copper Deficiency

High intake of zinc can interfere with the body's absorption of copper because both minerals may compete for similar absorption pathways. This can inadvertently lead to a copper deficiency. Taking copper bisglycinate is a common strategy for individuals with high zinc intake to help maintain a healthy balance between the two essential minerals and prevent deficiency.

Comparison of Copper Supplement Forms


Supplement Form	Bioavailability	Absorption Mechanism	Tolerability	Common Use Case
Copper Bisglycinate	High	Absorbed via amino acid pathways, potentially reducing competition with other minerals.	Excellent	Addressing deficiency, for sensitive individuals, and balancing high zinc intake.
Copper Citrate	Moderate	May compete with other minerals for absorption in the gut.	Varies, may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.	General supplementation.
Copper Sulfate	Varies	Less bioavailable than chelated forms and potentially toxic.	Poor; considered a toxin in some contexts.	Not typically recommended for dietary supplements.

How to Safely Use Copper Bisglycinate

While supplementation can be beneficial, it should always be approached with care. It is crucial to adhere to usage instructions and consult a healthcare professional, especially if you are pregnant or have a pre-existing medical condition. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine appropriate use based on individual needs and health status. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for copper for adults is 10,000 micrograms (10 mg) daily; exceeding this limit long-term can lead to toxicity. To potentially prevent absorption issues with zinc, some sources suggest taking copper at a different time of day than zinc.

Conclusion

Copper bisglycinate is a highly bioavailable and well-tolerated form of copper, making it a valuable choice for targeted supplementation. Its chelated structure may enhance absorption, potentially allowing the body to properly utilize this essential trace mineral for a wide range of functions. From bolstering immune defenses and promoting healthy connective tissues to supporting energy metabolism and aiding in iron utilization, copper bisglycinate plays a significant role in maintaining overall health. Whether addressing a diagnosed deficiency or aiming to balance high intake of other minerals like zinc, this supplement can contribute to the body's copper needs. For further scientific background on mineral bioavailability, an interesting resource is the research on Albion mineral chelates.

Albion Minerals: Why Albion Chelated Minerals are Better

Potential Risks and Considerations

While copper bisglycinate is generally considered safe when used as directed, excessive intake can lead to copper toxicity. Symptoms of copper overload can include nausea, abdominal pain, and headache. It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new supplement, particularly if you have liver disease or are concerned about your copper intake. Some medications may also affect copper levels, so consulting a healthcare provider is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Copper bisglycinate is a chelated form of copper bound to glycine amino acids, which may result in superior bioavailability and tolerability. Copper citrate is a common but generally less absorbable form, especially for individuals with certain digestive issues.

Because copper and zinc may compete for absorption, some sources recommend taking them at different times of the day. For example, some individuals choose to take a copper supplement at one time of day and zinc at another to potentially maximize the absorption of both minerals.

Determining the appropriate amount of any supplement should be done in consultation with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized guidance based on individual needs, health status, and other factors.

When used as directed and within recommended guidelines, copper bisglycinate is generally well-tolerated. However, exceeding the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of 10 mg/day for extended periods can potentially lead to copper toxicity, with symptoms like nausea and abdominal pain.

Yes, copper is essential for the production of collagen and elastin, proteins that maintain skin structure, elasticity, and firmness. Maintaining adequate copper levels, potentially through a bioavailable supplement like bisglycinate, may support healthy skin and hair pigmentation.

Individuals with a confirmed copper deficiency, those with high intake of certain other minerals like zinc, or people with specific conditions affecting copper absorption may consider supplementation under medical supervision.

For most individuals consuming a balanced diet, it is possible to obtain sufficient copper from various food sources such as seafood, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Supplementation is typically considered when a deficiency is identified or when dietary intake is insufficient.