Copper is one of the most misunderstood and overlooked minerals in the nutrient world. While it’s often lumped together with heavy metals or considered toxic in excess, bioavailable copper is absolutely vital for human function. It plays a central role in energy production, iron recycling, neurotransmitter balance, connective tissue strength, and immune defense.
Why copper matters:
- It helps regulate how iron is transported and used in the body
- Supports enzymes like cytochrome c oxidase (energy), ceruloplasmin (iron transport), and dopamine beta-hydroxylase (neurotransmitters)
- Vital for collagen and elastin formation, affecting skin, joints, and blood vessels
- Plays a role in detoxification and managing oxidative stress
Signs of low bioavailable copper:
- Low ferritin despite normal iron intake
- Fatigue or poor stamina
- Histamine intolerance or poor stress tolerance
- Weak connective tissue (gum issues, stretch marks, prolapse)
- Skin issues or hair graying
How copper gets depleted:
- High zinc or iron intake without balance
- Stress, adrenal burnout, or chronic inflammation
- Birth control, antibiotics, or “vitamin” D supplements
- Low whole food vitamin C intake
- Liver sluggishness or poor bile flow
Important distinction: bioavailable vs total copper
Many people get confused when they see “high copper” on a test. But most of that is unusable, unbound copper, not the bioavailable kind attached to ceruloplasmin. What we want is copper that’s doing something, not just floating around causing problems. It’s possible to be copper-toxic and copper-deficient at the same time.
What helps restore copper balance:
- Whole food vitamin C (like from acerola, camu camu, or adrenal cocktails)
- Beef liver (nature’s multivitamin, rich in copper and retinol)
- Adrenal support to rebuild ceruloplasmin production
- Low doses of ionic copper (if needed and tolerated)
- Reducing antagonists like excess zinc, iron, or “vitamin” D
Copper isn’t just another mineral, it’s a metabolic gear that helps turn the entire system. When it’s low or out of balance, everything slows down, especially iron flow, energy production, and resilience.
More is not always better
Copper is conductive which is a big part of why it’s such a vital nutrient. But its important to think about what we’re doing here.
Dumping a bunch of something conductive on a broken machine usually isn’t a great idea. A machine that has not been maintained cannot handle more power. It’s a bit like trying to use jumper cables on a engine that has bad fuel and no oil etc.
What about all the other nutrients we’ve been slowly depleting for the past few generations as we try to live in a profit driven synthetic world?
Pushing too much of one, especially when it’s a stimulating nutrient, is pushing other deficiencies even further out of balance.