Know what you're putting in your body.

158 herbs, nutrients, and compounds. What the science says, what tradition knew, and what to watch for. Founding members keep this running.

$60 /year

Founding rate — locked for life. Regular price after launch: $96/year.

✓ Full access to all 158+ entries
✓ Print-ready reference card for every herb
✓ Monthly curated set — 5 herbs, one body system
✓ The Sunday Letter — weekly research digest
✓ Bookmarks synced across devices
✓ Founding rate locked forever

Become a founding member

Cancel any time. No questions asked.

THYROID FUNCTION

Copper

Cu — Element #29

also known as Cupric sulfate, Copper gluconate, Copper bisglycinate, Ceruloplasmin-bound copper

Copper is an essential trace mineral that functions as a cofactor for enzymes involved in energy production, iron metabolism, connective tissue synthesis, and antioxidant defense. The liver regulates copper homeostasis; it is transported in blood primarily bound to ceruloplasmin. Copper is required for proper iron utilization — deficiency can cause an anemia that mimics iron deficiency.

Cofactor for cytochrome c oxidase, the final enzyme in the mitochondrial electron transport chain
Required for ceruloplasmin-mediated iron oxidation, enabling iron transport from storage to circulation
Involved in synthesis of collagen and elastin via lysyl oxidase, supporting connective tissue integrity
Component of superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), a key antioxidant enzyme
Required for dopamine beta-hydroxylase, which converts dopamine to norepinephrine
Supports normal immune function, brain development, and pigmentation (melanin synthesis via tyrosinase)

Active in Cu²⁺ (cupric), Cu⁺ (cuprous).

Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL): 10 mg/day for adults

Wilson's disease is a genetic disorder of copper overload causing liver and neurological damage; copper intake must be restricted under medical supervision

Chronic excess copper ingestion (e.g., from copper pipes) causes hepatotoxicity, nausea, and cirrhosis

High-dose zinc supplementation competitively inhibits copper absorption and can induce copper deficiency

NIH ODS — Copper · MedlinePlus — Copper · Britannica — Copper

Use with caution

Zinc Copper and zinc compete for intestinal absorption; supplemental zinc above 25 mg/day can induce copper deficiency. Maintain roughly 10:1 Zn:Cu ratio.

You might also explore

The curious few.

50 founding spots left