What is Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate (Minerals & Additives)?
Copper sulphate pentahydrate is an inorganic copper salt with bright blue crystals that dissolves easily in water. It is used in the food/supplement sector both as a copper source and as a technical additive. Its high solubility supports copper absorption; label claims are based on the elemental Cu content.
- Molecular formula: CuSO₄ ⋅ 5H₂O
- CAS number: 7758-99-8
- Form: Crystal / Inorganic Copper Salt
- Quality: Food / Pharmaceutical Grade
- Copper sulphate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O, CAS 7758-99-8) contains ~25% elemental copper (anhydrous ~40%). Due to its high solubility in water, it is a widely used, well-bioavailable copper source in supplements and fortification.
What is Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate (Minerals & Additives) Used For? Why is it Used?
Thanks to its high solubility and good bioavailability, copper sulphate pentahydrate is one of the most common copper sources used in supplements and fortification. It is permitted under EU and TR regulations and is dosed based on 1 mg of elemental Cu (100% NRV). It is particularly effective and economical in situations that disrupt copper balance, such as high zinc intake.
Main areas of use: Dietary Supplements, Animal Feed, Agricultural Chemicals, Algaecide, Anti-fungal, Industrial Coating.
Usage in Dietary Supplements
- Copper source: It is an approved copper source in supplements; its high solubility facilitates absorption, and the dose is calculated based on elemental Cu (100% NRV = 1 mg).
- Bioavailability: Since inorganic copper sulphate has high solubility, it is an effective form for absorption; it shows bioavailability comparable to other forms in conventional diets.
- Zinc-copper balance: High-dose zinc supplements can suppress copper absorption, leading to deficiency; therefore, low-dose copper (e.g., copper sulphate) is often added to zinc supplements.
- Support for iron metabolism: Copper is necessary for the transport and utilization of iron, so it can be used to maintain copper balance in the management of iron deficiency.
Usage in the Food Industry
- Status as copper additive/source: It is an approved mineral source for enriching foods and supplements with copper; it is a nutrient source without its own E-number.
- Processing and fortification: Due to its high solubility in water, it is preferred in fortification as it ensures homogeneous distribution in liquid and powder premixes.
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: The copper it provides contributes to the normal maintenance of connective tissue via lysyl oxidase (EFSA).
- Energy metabolism: As a component of copper cytochrome c oxidase, it contributes to normal energy metabolism (EFSA).
- Nervous system: Copper contributes to the normal function of the nervous system (EFSA).
- Hair and skin pigmentation: Copper contributes to normal hair and skin pigmentation (EFSA).
- Iron transport: Copper contributes to the normal transport of iron in the body (EFSA).
- Immunity and oxidative stress: Copper contributes to the normal function of the immune system and protection from oxidative stress (EFSA).
Usage Limits in Dietary Supplements
- Nutrient Reference Value (NRV): Copper NRV is 1 mg (1169/2011); claims are based on elemental Cu.
- Tolerable Upper Intake Level (EFSA): EFSA/SCF UL is 5 mg Cu/day (2003); EFSA confirmed the safe intake level of ~5 mg/day in 2023.
- Turkish legislation (TETGK): Copper sulphate is among the approved copper sources in the TR Regulation. For the exact upper dose in supplements, the current Regulation annex should be consulted (no fabrication).
Copper sulphate can be irritating at high concentrations; supplement doses should be kept within elemental Cu limits. It is contraindicated in Wilson's disease.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Purity (Cu) | 25.0% |
| Appearance | Blue Crystal |
| Moisture | ≤5.0 % |
| Solubility | Soluble in Water |
Scientific Studies
The following independent researches relate to the bioavailability, usage, and effects of this mineral (evidence levels are specified):
- PubMed 9587151 — Study examining copper absorption and bioavailability.
- PubMed 39503199 — Comprehensive review examining copper in human health and disease.
- PubMed 40653562 — Study examining hematological disorders caused by copper deficiency.
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA and supply conditions for Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate.
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/institution sources (EFSA, NIH ODS, Turkish Food Codex, EUR-Lex) and independent scientific publications (PubMed). The product is a food supplement/food raw material and does not aim to diagnose or treat diseases.