Copper Glucanoate
Also known as: cupric gluconate, C12H22CuO14, Copper gluconate
Overview
Copper gluconate is a copper salt of gluconic acid, widely utilized as a dietary supplement to provide bioavailable copper. As an essential trace mineral, copper plays a crucial role in numerous enzymatic reactions, iron metabolism, and the proper functioning of the immune system. Its primary application is in the prevention and treatment of copper deficiency, a condition that can lead to hematologic abnormalities, neurological issues, and bone disorders. Copper gluconate is favored for oral supplementation due to its relatively good bioavailability and tolerability compared to other copper salts. While research specifically on copper gluconate is somewhat limited, most evidence regarding copper supplementation is derived from studies using various copper salts. Available data includes in vitro antiviral activity studies, clinical supplementation trials, and reviews on copper deficiency treatment, though large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses focusing solely on copper gluconate are scarce.
Benefits
Copper gluconate supplementation is primarily beneficial for increasing copper status and correcting copper deficiency, which is vital for hematopoiesis, neurological function, and immune defense. Copper deficiency is linked to recurrent infections and cytopenias, and supplementation can effectively resolve these conditions in deficient patients. While one study in healthy subjects showed no significant change in serum or urine copper levels after supplementation, indicating limited effect in non-deficient individuals, its role in deficiency is well-established. In vitro studies have demonstrated that copper gluconate possesses antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 at concentrations higher than physiological blood levels. However, this effect is unlikely to be achieved in vivo due to extensive copper binding by plasma proteins. No quantified effect sizes or clinical outcomes from RCTs specifically on copper gluconate supplementation were found, with most evidence extrapolated from general copper supplementation research.
How it works
Copper gluconate functions by dissociating in the gastrointestinal tract, releasing copper ions that are then absorbed primarily in the small intestine via active transport mechanisms. Once absorbed, copper acts as a crucial cofactor for various enzymes, including cytochrome c oxidase, superoxide dismutase, and lysyl oxidase. Through these enzymatic roles, copper impacts fundamental biological processes such as mitochondrial respiration, antioxidant defense, and the formation of connective tissue. The body tightly regulates copper homeostasis, with excess copper primarily excreted via bile. The in vitro antiviral effect observed with copper gluconate is hypothesized to stem from copper ions interfering with viral replication or integrity, but its in vivo relevance is significantly limited by the binding of copper to albumin and other plasma proteins.
Side effects
Copper gluconate is generally considered safe when taken at recommended supplemental doses. Common side effects, though not extensively documented, may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort. More severe, but rare, side effects can occur with overdose, leading to symptoms of copper toxicity such as nausea, vomiting, and liver damage. It is important to note that copper supplementation can interact with other nutrients; specifically, high zinc intake can significantly reduce copper absorption. Copper gluconate is contraindicated in individuals with Wilson’s disease and other inherited copper metabolism disorders due to the risk of copper accumulation. Special caution is advised for patients with pre-existing liver disease or those taking medications known to affect copper metabolism, as these conditions can alter copper handling and increase the risk of adverse effects.
Dosage
Typical oral copper supplementation doses for maintenance range from 1 to 3 mg of elemental copper daily. Higher doses may be administered under medical supervision for the treatment of diagnosed copper deficiency. Copper gluconate contains approximately 14.3% elemental copper by weight; for example, 100 mg of copper gluconate provides roughly 14 mg of elemental copper. Specific randomized controlled trial (RCT)-based dosing guidelines for copper gluconate are not available, so current recommendations are extrapolated from general copper supplementation guidelines. It is important to be aware that the absorption of copper can be inhibited by high dietary zinc intake or the presence of phytates found in certain foods. The upper tolerable intake level for copper from supplements is generally set at 10 mg per day for adults to avoid toxicity.
FAQs
Is copper gluconate effective for viral infections?
In vitro studies suggest some antiviral activity, but physiological copper levels and protein binding in the body likely limit its efficacy against viral infections in humans.
Can copper gluconate cause toxicity?
Yes, excessive intake can lead to copper toxicity, manifesting as nausea, vomiting, and liver damage. Supplementation should be monitored and kept within recommended limits.
How long does it take to see benefits from copper gluconate?
Correction of copper deficiency may take weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the deficiency and individual response.
Is copper gluconate better than other copper salts?
There is no definitive evidence to suggest copper gluconate is superior to other copper salts; the choice often depends on formulation stability and individual tolerability.
Research Sources
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-18872-8 – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of zinc gluconate on copper absorption in healthy adults. It found that zinc gluconate significantly reduced copper absorption, as measured by hepatic 64Cu PET, highlighting a crucial interaction between zinc and copper metabolism. While not directly on copper gluconate supplementation, it provides important context for its absorption.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8264279/ – This in vitro study explored the antiviral activity of copper gluconate against SARS-CoV-2 in cell cultures. It demonstrated that copper gluconate reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection rates at high concentrations, but this effect was abolished in the presence of albumin, suggesting limited clinical relevance due to copper binding in vivo.
- https://archive.hshsl.umaryland.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/f196badf-08d4-4d33-99cb-fe2ef68ce519/content – This systematic review (scoping review) aimed to identify clinical studies on copper gluconate. It concluded that there is a significant lack of high-quality clinical data, with only one descriptive study specifically on copper gluconate found, indicating a need for more rigorous research.
- https://aspenjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ncp.10328 – This literature review provides an overview of the causes and treatment of copper deficiency. It generally supports the effectiveness of copper supplementation in correcting deficiency, offering broad context for the use of copper salts like copper gluconate, although it is not a meta-analysis.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2931973/ – This older randomized controlled trial with a small sample size (7 subjects) investigated the effects of copper gluconate supplementation in healthy individuals. It reported no significant change in copper status after supplementation, suggesting that copper gluconate may have limited impact in non-deficient subjects.