Cupric ascorbate

MineralCopper

What is it

Cupric ascorbate is a copper(II) salt of ascorbic acid. It combines two nutrients - copper and vitamin C - in a single compound. Used occasionally in multivitamins.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Copper and vitamin C delivery

Strong Evidence

Provides both nutrients in a single compound.

How it works

Cupric ascorbate dissociates in the gut, providing both copper (an essential trace mineral for connective tissue, iron metabolism, and antioxidant enzymes) and ascorbate (vitamin C). Both nutrients are well-absorbed. Note: in supplement formulations, copper and vitamin C are sometimes kept separate because high doses of vitamin C may reduce copper absorption, and certain copper-vitamin C interactions in solution can oxidize vitamin C.

Dosage

Used in multivitamin formulations to provide copper (RDA 900 mcg/day for adults) and a small amount of vitamin C.

When and how to take it

Per multivitamin instructions. Splitting from high-dose zinc supplements is helpful.

Safety

At typical multivitamin doses, very safe. Excess copper (>10 mg/day chronic) can cause GI upset and rarely liver damage. Excess vitamin C may cause GI upset.

Who should be cautious

People with Wilson's disease (copper accumulation) should avoid copper supplements.

Interactions

Standard copper and vitamin C interactions apply. Zinc supplements reduce copper absorption.

Frequently asked questions

Is cupric ascorbate a common supplement form?⌄

Less common than separate copper and vitamin C supplements. Most multivitamins use copper glycinate or oxide and separate ascorbic acid.

References

Cupric ascorbate on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Cupric ascorbate (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Cupric ascorbate with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.