Copper

May Help Support Healthy Immune Function, Energy, and Brain Development*

What Are the Benefits of Copper?

Copper is a mineral that you need to stay healthy. Your body uses copper to carry out many important functions, including making energy, connective tissues, and blood vessels. Copper also helps maintain the nervous and immune systems, and activates genes. Your body also needs copper for brain development.

What Foods Provide Copper?

Many foods contain copper. You can get recommended amounts of copper by eating a variety of foods, including the following:

• Beef liver and shellfish such as oysters
• Nuts (such as cashews), seeds (such as sesame and sunflower), and chocolate
• Wheat-bran cereals and whole-grain products
• Potatoes, mushrooms, avocados, chickpeas, and tofu

Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services