Research

Copper

37 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.

21
Meta-analyses
2
Systematic reviews
9
RCTs
5
Other studies
Meta-analyses (57%)
Systematic reviews (5%)
RCTs (24%)
Observational (3%)

Studies

Sorted by quality and recency

2025·Carcinogenesis·Carlos Muñoz-Bravo, Inés Marín-Burdallo, Lucas González-Herrera, et al

Copper in colorectal cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 227,354

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 studies (23 case-control and 3 cohort) with 227,354 participants, evaluating copper levels in CRC patients compared to healthy controls. No significant differences in serum/plasma/blood or tissue copper levels were found, but CRC patients had lower dietary copper intake. Evidence quality was mostly low or moderate, with heterogeneous results.

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2025·Calcified tissue international·María Auxiliadora Gutiérrez-Guerra, Luis Manuel Puerto-Parejo, Elena Pastor-Ramón, et al

Dietary Copper Intake and Bone Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

Meta-analysisn = 14,345Joint Bone Health

Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies assessing dietary copper intake and bone mineral density (BMD). Higher dietary copper intake was associated with a modest increase in lumbar spine BMD, while evidence for hip BMD was inconclusive.

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2025·Biological trace element research·Abdullah Yousef Aldalati, Ayham Mohammad Hussein, Elsayed Balbaa, et al

Serum Copper Levels in Chronic Kidney Disease and Hemodialysis Patients: Insights from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 13,592

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 42 studies with 13,592 participants evaluating serum copper levels in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients compared to healthy controls. No significant difference in copper levels was found between CKD patients and healthy controls, but HD patients had significantly lower copper levels. HD also significantly reduced serum copper levels post-treatment.

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2025·International journal of molecular sciences·Rosanna Squitti, Mariacarla Ventriglia, Ilaria Simonelli, et al

Copper Dysregulation in Major Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analytic Evidence for a Putative Trait Marker.

Meta-analysisn = 8,617

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 24 observational studies with 8617 participants comparing serum copper levels in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) versus controls. The analysis found significantly higher copper levels in MDD patients, suggesting a potential role as a trait biomarker for MDD.

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2025·Allergologia et immunopathologia·Beilei Wang, Xingyue Su, Xiang Ma

Association between serum copper and childhood asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 1,006

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the association between serum copper levels and childhood asthma across 11 studies with 1006 participants. The analysis found no statistically significant difference in serum copper levels between children with asthma and controls, and significant heterogeneity was noted among the studies.

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2025·International journal of molecular sciences·Akiyoshi Takami, Kaori Uchino, Mai Terashima, et al

Vacuolated Marrow Cytopenias from Copper Deficiency to-Mutant VEXAS: Molecular Landscape, Systematic Review, and Cost-Efficient Diagnostic Algorithm.

Systematic reviewn = 818

Systematic review of 22 studies involving 818 adults with vacuolated marrow cytopenias. The review proposes a diagnostic algorithm involving serum copper/ceruloplasmin testing and hotspot sequencing, achieving 97% classification accuracy within 5 days at a median cost of ~USD 173.

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2025·Biological trace element research·Xingzhong Wang, Haixia Sun, Ying Zheng, et al

Effects of Dietary Copper Supplementation on Fish Growth: A Meta-Analysis.

Meta-analysis

Meta-analysis evaluating the effects of dietary copper supplementation on fish growth performance, superoxide dismutase activity, tissue copper levels, and body composition. Significant benefits in fish survival, weight gain, and copper concentrations were observed, with excessive copper intake leading to trade-offs in feed conversion and protein efficiency. Optimal dietary copper concentration was determined to be 5.7 mg/kg.

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2024·Biological trace element research·Rosanna Squitti, Amit Pal, Aninda Dhar, et al

The Debated Issue on Tissue Copper Levels in Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Meta-analysis and Replication Study.

Meta-analysisn = 312

Meta-analysis and replication study examining tissue copper levels in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The meta-analysis included 13 studies with a total of 312 CRC and 298 healthy mucosa samples, finding lower copper levels in CRC tissue compared to healthy mucosa, though not significant. The replication study showed a significant decrease in copper levels in cancer tissue specimens.

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2024·Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS)·Sarah Maria van Tol Amaral Guerra, Letícia Cordeiro Koppe de França, Katriane Neto da Silva, et al

Copper dyshomeostasis and its relationship to AMPK activation, mitochondrial dynamics, and biogenesis of mitochondria: A systematic review of in vivo studies.

Systematic review

Systematic review of in vivo studies examining the influence of copper homeostasis on AMPK activation, mitochondrial dynamics, and biogenesis. High copper levels were found to increase mitochondrial fission, inhibit fusion, and activate AMPK. The review highlights the need for further studies to understand copper's role in these processes across different species and tissues.

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2023·Nutrients·Kwuntida Uthaisar Kotepui, Aongart Mahittikorn, Polrat Wilairatana, et al

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Exploring Variations in Copper Levels between Individuals with Malaria and Uninfected Controls.

Meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the association between copper levels and malaria pathogenesis. Based on 16 studies, the meta-analysis found no significant difference in copper levels between patients with malaria and uninfected controls overall. However, subgroup analyses showed significant differences in copper levels in studies conducted in Asia and those using plasma blood samples.

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2023·Biometals : an international journal on the role of metal ions in biology, biochemistry, and medicine·Fabielly Scolari Grotto, Viviane Glaser

Are high copper levels related to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases? A systematic review and meta-analysis of articles published between 2011 and 2022.

Meta-analysisBrain Health

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the relationship between high copper levels and neurodegenerative diseases, specifically Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. It included studies measuring copper levels in patients and animal models. The meta-analysis found increased copper levels in Alzheimer's patients and decreased levels in Parkinson's patients, with mixed effects on brain health observed in animal studies.

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2022·Frontiers in public health·Zixing Zhong, Qingmei Yang, Tao Sun, et al

A Global Perspective of Correlation Between Maternal Copper Levels and Preeclampsia in the 21st Century: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 5,359Womens Health

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 studies with 2,471 women with preeclampsia and 2,888 healthy pregnant controls across 16 countries. No significant global difference in maternal serum copper levels between women with preeclampsia and controls, but regional and economic sub-group analyses showed varying results.

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2021·Biological trace element research·Siyu Lian, Tingting Zhang, Yanchao Yu, et al

Relationship of Circulating Copper Level with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: a Meta-Analysis and Systemic Review.

Meta-analysisn = 2,670Womens Health

Meta-analysis of 14 studies involving 2670 pregnant subjects, including 910 GDM cases, examining the relationship between circulating copper levels and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Findings indicate increased copper levels in GDM cases, particularly in the third trimester and among Asian populations. Higher copper concentration is associated with increased GDM risk.

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2021·Gynecologic and obstetric investigation·Qingtao Jiang, Feng Zhang, Lei Han, et al

Serum Copper Level and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 1,168Womens Health

Meta-analysis of nine studies comparing serum copper levels in 1,168 PCOS patients and 1,106 controls. Serum copper levels were significantly higher in women with PCOS, suggesting a potential association with the condition.

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2020·Midwifery·Linda Petra Arendsen, Ranee Thakar, Paul Bassett, et al

A double blind randomized controlled trial using copper impregnated maternity sanitary towels to reduce perineal wound infection.

RCTn = 450Womens Health

A double blind randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of copper impregnated sanitary towels on infection rates following vaginal delivery. The study enrolled 450 women, showing a significant reduction in infection rates in the copper towel group compared to the control group.

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2020·Biological trace element research·Shaokang Wang, Niannian Wang, Da Pan, et al

Effects of Copper Supplementation on Blood Lipid Level: a Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis on Randomized Clinical Trials.

Meta-analysisn = 176Heart Health -

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 5 RCTs with 176 participants examining the effect of copper supplementation on blood lipid levels. The analysis found no significant effect of copper supplementation on total cholesterol, LDL-C, or HDL-C levels.

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2020·Current medicinal chemistry·Leila Jouybari, Faezeh Kiani, Farhad Islami, et al

Copper Concentrations in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the association between copper concentrations and breast cancer risks by analyzing studies from 1984 to 2017. No statistically significant difference in copper levels was found between breast cancer cases and controls across serum, breast tissue, and hair samples. High heterogeneity was noted, and no publication bias was detected.

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2019·Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition·Lei Huang, Ronghuan Shen, Longfei Huang, et al

Association between serum copper and heart failure: a meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 1,504Heart Health

Meta-analysis of 13 studies with 1504 subjects found that patients with heart failure had higher serum copper levels than control subjects. The association was significant in Asia and Europe but not in America. Subgroup analyses showed higher copper levels in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, and other types of heart failure.

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2019·Journal of molecular neuroscience : MN·Mijuan Zhang, Wei Li, Yan Wang, et al

Association Between the Change of Serum Copper and Ischemic Stroke: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 777Heart Health

Systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the association between serum copper levels and ischemic stroke. The analysis included eight studies with 777 participants, showing significantly higher serum copper levels in the ischemic stroke group compared to controls, suggesting copper may be a risk factor for ischemic stroke.

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2018·Psychiatry research·Mengmei Ni, Yiping You, Jinyao Chen, et al

Copper in depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

Meta-analysisn = 1,487Mood

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies with 1487 patients and 943 controls examining copper levels in depressive disorder. Patients with depression had higher blood levels of copper than controls, suggesting a potential role of copper as a biomarker for depression.

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2016·Biological trace element research·Qihong Qiu, Fuping Zhang, Wenjun Zhu, et al

Copper in Diabetes Mellitus: a Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Plasma and Serum Studies.

Meta-analysisn = 1,079

Meta-analysis of 15 studies comparing plasma and serum copper levels in 1079 diabetes mellitus patients and 561 healthy controls. DM patients showed higher copper levels than healthy controls, suggesting an association between elevated copper levels and diabetes mellitus.

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2014·Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD·Rosanna Squitti, Ilaria Simonelli, Mariacarla Ventriglia, et al

Meta-analysis of serum non-ceruloplasmin copper in Alzheimer's disease.

Meta-analysisn = 1,393Brain Health

Meta-analysis evaluating the relationship between copper and ceruloplasmin in Alzheimer's disease (AD) subjects compared to healthy controls. The analysis included 27 studies with a pooled total of 1,393 AD subjects and 2,159 controls, finding that all copper indices were significantly higher in AD subjects.

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2025·Obesity surgery·Bangrong Xu, Taifu Xiao, Jinze Li, et al

Copper Deficiency: A Frequently Overlooked Complication After MBS-A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 49Nutrition

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the prevalence of copper deficiency in patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). The study found that copper deficiency is common post-MBS, with varying prevalence at different follow-up years, and is particularly prevalent in patients who underwent BPD procedures.

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2014·Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS)·Rosanna Squitti

Copper subtype of Alzheimer's disease (AD): meta-analyses, genetic studies and predictive value of non-ceruloplasmim copper in mild cognitive impairment conversion to full AD.

Meta-analysisBrain Health

Meta-analyses, genetic studies, and a prognostic study explore the role of non-ceruloplasmin copper (Non-Cp copper) in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Non-Cp copper levels are elevated in a subset of AD patients and mild cognitive impairment subjects, suggesting a copper phenotype of AD.

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2017·Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition·G Acetoze, J Champagne, J J Ramsey, et al

Liver mitochondrial oxygen consumption and efficiency of milk production in lactating Holstein cows supplemented with copper, manganese and zinc.

RCTn = 60Nutrition

The study examined the relationship between mitochondrial proton leak and feed efficiency in lactating Holstein cows supplemented with different levels of copper, manganese, and zinc. Milk yield, composition, mineral excretion, feed efficiency, and liver mitochondrial proton leak were measured. Efficiency was greatest in the medium supplementation group and least in the high group, indicating an upper limit to beneficial supplementation.

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2016·Biological trace element research·Xiaobing Liu, Jianhua Piao, Yu Zhang, et al

Serum Copper Status in School-Age Children and Pregnant Women in China Nutrition and Health Survey 2010-2012.

Observationaln = 4,019Nutrition -

The study aimed to establish reference values for serum copper in school-age children and pregnant women in China using data from the China Nutrition and Health Survey 2010-2012. Serum copper concentrations were measured in 4019 subjects, and adequate ranges were determined for both groups.

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2007·Veterinary research communications·M C Sharma, C Joshi, Gunjan Das

Therapeutic management of copper deficiency in buffalo heifers: impact on immune function.

RCTn = 50Immunity

RCT evaluating copper deficiency in buffalo heifers in Northern India. Group A received mineral mixture with copper sulphate, showing significant improvements in serum ceruloplasmin, monoamine oxidase, liver cytochrome oxidase, T3 and T4 levels, vitamin A and E, phagocytic activity, superoxide dismutase activity, and liver copper levels compared to group B.

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2022·Applied Water Science·Ravi Manne, Mohan Maruga Raja Muthu Kumaradoss, Raja Sekhara Reddy Iska, et al

Water quality and risk assessment of copper content in drinking water stored in copper container

Study

The study evaluates the copper concentration in drinking water stored in copper containers over different time periods. Copper content in water increased with time, ranging from 0.009 to 0.823 mg/L, but remained within permissible limits set by WHO and EPA.

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2015·Biological trace element research·Manuel Olivares, Constanza Figueroa, Fernando Pizarro

Acute Copper and Ascorbic Acid Supplementation Inhibits Non-heme Iron Absorption in Humans.

RCTn = 14Nutrition

This study investigated the effect of copper and ascorbic acid supplementation on non-heme iron absorption in 14 adult women. The results showed that copper in the presence of ascorbic acid inhibits non-heme iron absorption at a Cu/Fe 8/1 molar ratio.

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2014·The British journal of nutrition·Lísia Bertonha Correa, Marcus Antonio Zanetti, Gustavo Ribeiro Del Claro, et al

Effects of supplementation with two sources and two levels of copper on meat lipid oxidation, meat colour and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities in Nellore beef cattle.

RCTn = 35Nutrition

The study investigated the effects of copper supplementation at two levels and from two sources on lipid oxidation, meat colour, and enzyme activities in Nellore beef cattle. Copper supplementation at 40 mg/kg improved oxidative stability of lipids and increased hepatic SOD activity, demonstrating its antioxidant effect.

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2009·Biological trace element research·Manuel Olivares, Fernando Pizarro, Daniel López de Romaña, et al

Acute copper supplementation does not inhibit non-heme iron bioavailability in humans.

RCTn = 29

The study investigated the effect of acute copper supplementation on iron absorption in 29 healthy adult women. Copper was administered in various Cu/Fe molar ratios, and iron absorption was measured. The results showed that copper supplementation did not inhibit iron bioavailability.

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2023·Frontiers in Veterinary Science·S. Naz, Riaz Hussain, Guangbin Zhang, et al

Copper sulfate induces clinico-hematological, oxidative stress, serum biochemical and histopathological changes in freshwater fish rohu (Labeo rohita)

Animal studyn = 72

The study assessed the hematological and histopathological alterations in freshwater fish Labeo rohita exposed to graded concentrations of copper sulfate. Results showed significant adverse effects, including decreased body weight, altered blood parameters, increased oxidative stress, and histopathological changes in organs.

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2021·Food Science & Nutrition·Min Wu, Leqin Ke, Mingyu Zhi, et al

The influence of gastrointestinal pH on speciation of copper in simulated digestive juice

In vitro

The study investigated the speciation of copper in simulated digestive juice under varying gastrointestinal pH conditions using ion selective electrode and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. It found that copper speciation is strongly influenced by pH and food composition, with copper ion concentration being higher when fewer organic ligands are present.

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1998·Journal of dairy science·G P Gengelbach, J W Spears

Effects of dietary copper and molybdenum on copper status, cytokine production, and humoral immune response of calves.

RCTn = 24Immunity Nutrition

RCT with 24 male Holstein calves to assess the effects of dietary copper and molybdenum on performance, copper status, and immune function. Calves on the copper diet had higher plasma and liver copper concentrations and better immune responses compared to those on the molybdenum diet, which showed signs of copper deficiency.

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1997·Metabolism: clinical and experimental·A A Jones, R A DiSilvestro, M Coleman, et al

Copper supplementation of adult men: effects on blood copper enzyme activities and indicators of cardiovascular disease risk.

RCTn = 20Heart Health

RCT of copper supplementation (2 mg/d for 4 weeks) in 20 adult men with moderately high plasma cholesterol. Copper significantly increased two enzyme activities (SOD and DAO) and lipoprotein oxidation lag times in subjects with lower baseline values, but had no significant effects on the entire study group.

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1996·The Onderstepoort journal of veterinary research·B Gummow

Experimentally induced chronic copper toxicity in cattle.

RCTn = 16

RCT on chronic copper toxicity in cattle, with 16 Bonsmara bulls and heifers divided into four groups receiving varying doses of copper sulphate. The study monitored clinical signs, enzyme activity, and mineral concentrations, concluding that subclinical liver damage and copper toxicity can occur at doses ≥ 12 mg of Cu/kg of body mass per day, while doses ≤ 0.6 mg of Cu/kg are likely tolerable.

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2012·Archives Animal Breeding·J. García-Díaz, H. Munyori-Nderitu, M. Cuesta-Mazorra, et al

Therapeutic efficacy and pharmacological safety of parenteral supplementation of different concentrations of copper in cows

Animal studyn = 45

The study evaluated the parenteral dosage of copper needed to restore serum and hepatic levels in hypocupperhemic cows without causing liver intoxication or milk residuals. Cows treated with 50 and 100 mg of copper showed increased serum and hepatic levels without affecting milk copper levels or liver enzyme activity, maintaining normal physiological levels for 60 days.

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