The gentle one
Copper bisglycinate (chelated)
Your body absorbs it well and it's easy on the stomach.
Good for: Everyday use · Easy on the stomach
What variations of copper exist?
A trace mineral needed for red blood cells, iron use, collagen, and nerve health. It works in balance with zinc, so taking one affects the other. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
Every form, in plain words
The gentle one
Copper bisglycinate (chelated)
Your body absorbs it well and it's easy on the stomach.
Good for: Everyday use · Easy on the stomach
The common one
Copper gluconate or citrate
Your body absorbs it well, and it's easy to find.
Usually skip
- The poorly absorbed one (Cupric oxide)Your body absorbs very little of it.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Copper bisglycinate' on the label (the gentle one)
Watch out for
- Long-term zinc without any copper
- A standalone copper product on top of a multi that already has copper, without lab work
Check with your provider first if…
- You have Wilson's disease or another condition where copper builds up
- You have liver disease
- Zinc and copper balance each other. High zinc over time lowers copper, and copper without enough zinc can tip things the other way. Testing helps.
- Signs of too much: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or a metallic taste
In Dr. Lesher's store
2 products in Dr. Lesher's dispensary have copper. Here's which form, where the label says.
Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.
MegaFood
Baby & Me 2™
Has bisglycinate (the gentle one)
100 mcg per serving
MegaFood
Baby & Me 2™ Postnatal Multi
Has bisglycinate (the gentle one)
650 mcg per serving
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.