Cycles between Cu¹⁺ and Cu²⁺ as the redox cofactor for cytochrome c oxidase (ETC Complex IV), CuZn-SOD, lysyl oxidase (collagen/elastin cross-linking), dopamine β-hydroxylase, tyrosinase, and ceruloplasmin (ferroxidase). Absorbed primarily via CTR1 in the small intestine; efflux regulated by ATP7A (intestine) and ATP7B (liver) — the latter mutated in Wilson disease.
Dosing Guidelines
PO: Typical 1.6 mg (Range: 0.9–3 mg)
Target Organ Systems
digestive
musculoskeletal
Interactions
Zinc (caution): High-dose Zn induces metallothionein and blocks Cu absorption. Chronic Zn >40 mg/d → Cu deficiency.
Molybdenum (caution): Pharmacologic Mo (as ammonium tetrathiomolybdate) chelates Cu — exploited clinically in Wilson disease.
Zinc Picolinate (caution): Chronic Zn >25 mg/d depletes Cu regardless of form.