Can I Take These?

Can You Take Copper and Zinc Together?

Taking high doses of zinc supplements for a long period can reduce copper absorption and lead to copper deficiency.

MonitorEvidence: Moderate

What the interaction means

The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements' zinc fact sheet states that taking too much zinc for a long time can cause problems including "low copper levels." The copper fact sheet corroborates this from the other direction, listing among people at risk of copper inadequacy: "People taking high doses of zinc supplements, which can interfere with the ability to absorb copper and could lead to copper deficiency." A National Academies-published review of dietary reference intakes explains the mechanism: "Zinc intakes, well in excess of the amount normally found in the diet, can decrease copper absorption in adults," attributing this to zinc inducing intestinal metallothionein, which preferentially binds copper.

Why it may happen

High zinc intake induces production of intestinal metallothionein, a protein that binds copper preferentially, reducing how much copper the body absorbs.

Practical context

The same dietary reference intake review notes that at more moderate zinc-to-copper ratios (2:1, 5:1, 15:1) tested in humans, effects on copper absorption were limited -- this is a long-term, high-dose concern rather than a same-day dosing conflict, so no specific spacing interval applies.

What the sources say

Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc — Copper — National Academies Press / NCBI Bookshelf (National Library of Medicine)Copper — Consumer — NIH Office of Dietary SupplementsZinc — Consumer — NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

Last reviewed 2026-08-22

Medical information disclaimer: this information is general and educational. It does not diagnose conditions, prescribe treatment, or determine whether a combination is safe for you personally. Follow your prescription label and ask a pharmacist or clinician before starting, stopping, or combining products. Full disclaimer.

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