What is Copper (Elemental) (%100)?
Elemental copper is a reddish-brown transition metal. It is an essential trace element in human nutrition; it serves as the catalytic cofactor for numerous enzymes (cuproenzymes) such as cytochrome c oxidase, superoxide dismutase, ceruloplasmin, and lysyl oxidase. In food/supplement applications, pure metal is rarely used directly; it is processed into permitted soluble compounds.
- Molecular formula: Cu
- CAS number: 7440-50-8
- Form: Powder / Elemental Metal Form
- Quality: Food / Pharmaceutical Grade
- Elemental copper is 100% copper metal (CAS 7440-50-8). In supplements/enrichment, it is typically converted into soluble copper salts for use; absorption as metallic powder is lower compared to salt forms.
What is Elemental Copper Used For? Why is it Used?
Copper is an essential trace element that acts as a cofactor for dozens of vital enzymes and is required for connective tissue, energy metabolism, the nervous system, iron transport, and antioxidant defense. Elemental copper is the primary raw material for copper compounds used in supplements/enrichment; label claims are made on an elemental Cu basis. Since high zinc intake can disrupt copper balance, controlled supplementation is important.
Main areas of use: Dietary supplements, Enzyme cofactor, Signal transduction, Connective tissue health, Mitochondrial function, Antioxidant enzymes.
Usage in Dietary Supplements
- Copper source (primary function): It is the starting material for the production of copper compounds used in supplements (sulfate, gluconate, carbonate, citrate); label claims are made based on elemental Cu (NRV 100% = 1 mg).
- Daily requirement and deficiency: Copper deficiency can lead to anemia, neutropenia, and neurological symptoms; high-dose zinc, bariatric surgery, and long-term enteral nutrition are risk factors (NIH ODS).
- Bioavailability and form selection: The absorption of dietary copper is typically 30–40%, and proportional absorption decreases as intake increases (homeostasis). Therefore, soluble copper salts are preferred over metallic powder in supplements.
- Interaction with iron: Copper is required for the absorption and transport of iron (ceruloplasmin/hephaestin ferroxidase); copper balance is considered in iron metabolism supplements.
Usage in the Food Industry
- Copper additive/source status: In foods/supplements, copper is added as a mineral source in the form of permitted copper compounds (sulfate, carbonate, gluconate, citrate, lysine complex) rather than elemental metal.
- Enrichment: Copper is used in the mineral enrichment of food supplements and foods for special nutritional purposes through soluble salts calculated on an elemental Cu basis.
Effects on Health
Copper is a mineral that plays a role in many fundamental functions in the body. The main functions authorized/evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
- Protection of connective tissue: Copper contributes to the maintenance of normal connective tissue as a cofactor of lysyl oxidase (EFSA).
- Energy metabolism: Copper contributes to normal energy metabolism as a component of cytochrome c oxidase (EFSA).
- Nervous system: Copper contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system via neurotransmitter synthesis and myelin integrity (EFSA).
- Hair and skin pigmentation: Copper contributes to normal hair and skin pigmentation as a cofactor of tyrosinase (EFSA).
- Iron transport: Copper contributes to the normal transport of iron in the body (EFSA).
- Immunity and oxidative stress: Copper contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system and the protection of cells from oxidative stress (EFSA).
Usage Limits in Dietary Supplements
- Nutrient Reference Value (NRV): Copper NRV is 1 mg (1169/2011).
- Tolerable Upper Intake Level (EFSA): EFSA/SCF UL for adults is 5 mg Cu/day (2003); EFSA confirmed the safe intake level of ~5 mg/day in 2023.
- Turkish legislation (TSEGB): Copper is a permitted mineral under the Turkish Dietary Supplements Regulation; soluble copper compounds are used as sources. For exact numerical supplement limits, the current Regulation annex should be consulted (no fabrication).
Copper absorption is homeostatically regulated; supplementation is contraindicated in copper accumulation disorders such as Wilson's disease.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Reddish-brown metallic powder |
| Moisture | ≤5.0 % |
| Solubility | Soluble in mineral acids |
| Purity | ≥ 99–100% |
Scientific Studies
The following independent research studies relate to the bioavailability, usage, and effects of this mineral (levels of evidence are indicated):
- PubMed 39503199 — Comprehensive review examining copper in human health and disease.
- PubMed 32506322 — Review investigating the molecular mechanisms of copper metabolism and its roles in diseases.
- PubMed 9587151 — Study examining copper absorption and bioavailability.
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA, and supply conditions for Copper (Elemental) (%100).
References
- efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- eur-lex.europa.eu
- efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- ods.od.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The usage and health information on this page has been compiled from official legislation/institutional sources (EFSA, NIH ODS, Turkish Food Codex, EUR-Lex) and independent scientific publications (PubMed). The product is a food supplement/food raw material; it is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of disease.