What Is It?
The minerals zinc and copper can be purchased as single products, but there’s good reason to consider a combination product that pairs the two.
Zinc blocks the absorption and enhances the excretion of copper when taken over time. So, when zinc is recommended long term (over many months) for any condition–from arthritis to prostate problems or even Alzheimer’s–it’s important to get some copper as well. A combination product will help prevent a copper deficiency and the anemia that can develop as a result.
As a rule of thumb, every 30 mg of zinc needs to be balanced by 2 mg of copper. Interestingly, high-quality zinc products will automatically provide the extra copper.
For more information on zinc or copper, see the separate entries in the WholeHealth Chicago Reference Library.
General Interaction
The best approach for anyone concerned about possible interactions with a specific drug or dietary supplement is to refer to the separate zinc and copper entries in our WholeHealth Chicago Reference Library.
Cautions
See the individual zinc and copper entries in our WholeHealth Chicago Reference Library for specific information on cautions.
Ailments-Dosage
Acne 30 mg zinc and 2 mg copper a day
Alzheimer’s Disease 30 mg a day; add 1-3 mg copper a day if used over the long term
Crohn’s Disease 30 mg zinc and 2 mg copper a day for long-term use
Diabetes 30 mg zinc and 2 mg copper a day
Eczema 30 mg zinc and 2 mg copper a day
Hair Problems 30 mg zinc and 2 mg copper a day
Hemorrhoids 30 mg zinc and 2 mg copper a day
Infertility, Female 30 mg zinc and 1-3 mg copper a day
Infertility, Male 30 mg zinc and 1-3 mg copper a day
Kidney Stones 30 mg zinc and 2-4 mg copper a day
Lupus 30 mg zinc and 1-3 mg copper a day
Macular Degeneration 30-50 mg zinc a day; for long-term use, add 2-4 mg copper
Multiple Sclerosis 30 mg zinc and 1-3 mg copper a day
Osteoporosis 15-30 mg zinc and 1.5-3 mg copper a day
Prostate Problems 30 mg zinc and 1-3 mg copper a day
Psoriasis 30 mg zinc and 2 mg copper a day
Rosacea 30 mg zinc and 1-3 mg copper a day
Thyroid Disease For hypo and hyper: 30 mg zinc and 2 mg copper a day
Tinnitus 30 mg zinc and 2-4 mg copper a day
Be well,
David Edelberg, MD