Copper Gluconate
Also known as: cupric gluconate, copper D-gluconate, Cu gluconate
A copper salt of gluconic acid, about 14% elemental copper, and one of the most widely used copper sources in multivitamins because it is water soluble, inexpensive, and has a long safety record. It is listed by NIH ODS among the common supplemental copper forms, with no comparative absorption data separating it from chelates or oxide. It is a sensible default for small copper additions to zinc-containing or general wellness products.
Research summary
Supplies copper for iron metabolism, connective-tissue enzymes, antioxidant defense (Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase), and neurotransmitter synthesis.
Dosage
Daily amounts, elemental (14% of the compound is the element).
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 mg | 0.5–2 mg | — | 10 mg |
NIH ODS — UL of 10,000 mcg (10 mg)/day for adults from all sources
Doses are milligrams of elemental copper. Copper gluconate (C12H22CuO14, MW 453.8) is 14.0% Cu: 63.55 ÷ 453.8. The adult RDA is 0.9 mg and the UL is 10 mg from all sources. A highest studied dose specific to the gluconate salt was not located; ranges reflect common product use. Take with food.
Source material: synthetic (copper carbonate reacted with gluconic acid)
As supplied: ≈ 14% Cu; 1 mg elemental ≈ 7 mg compound
Forms of Copper
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper Gluconate | 0.5–2 mg | 14% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy, Liquid | low |
| Copper Bisglycinate | 0.5–2 mg | 25% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy, Liquid | low |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Tiny dose; soluble and suitable for liquids. Faint blue-green tint in concentrated premixes.
Formulation notes
Included in zinc formulas above about 25 mg zinc to offset zinc-induced copper depletion; a 1–2 mg copper to 15–30 mg zinc ratio is common. Iron and high-dose vitamin C can modestly reduce copper absorption when taken together.
- Has an upper limit
Sources
Related ingredients
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
VitaminAscorbic acid is the reference form of vitamin C and the most common form in supplements; NIH ODS notes its bioavailability equals that of vitamin C naturally present in food.
Typical: 250–1,000 mg
Zinc Gluconate
MineralThe most common zinc salt in multivitamins, lozenges, and immune products, containing about 14.3% elemental zinc.
Typical: 10–25 mg
L-Selenomethionine
MineralThe organic selenium form found in Brazil nuts, grains, and selenium yeast, in which selenium replaces sulfur in the amino acid methionine.
Typical: 50–200 mcg
Greens Blend (Generic)
OtherA generic greens blend is a placeholder for the dried plant powders typical of greens products: cereal grasses such as wheatgrass and barley grass, spirulina and chlorella, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, and often fruit or vegetable extracts.
Typical: 3–10 g
Spirulina
OtherSpirulina is a dried cyanobacterium (Arthrospira platensis or A.
Typical: 1–5 g