Copper Lysinate
Also known as: Copper lysinate, copper-lysine complex, copper amino acid chelate
Overview
Copper lysinate is a chelated form of copper, an essential trace mineral, where copper ions are bound to the amino acid lysine. This chelation is designed to enhance the bioavailability and absorption of copper compared to inorganic copper salts. Naturally, copper is found in foods such as shellfish, nuts, seeds, and organ meats. Copper lysinate is primarily used as a supplement to prevent or treat copper deficiency, support healthy growth, bolster immune function, and aid in wound healing. While copper supplementation in general is well-researched, specific studies on copper lysinate are more limited, often drawing insights from animal studies, particularly in the context of animal nutrition to improve growth performance. The evidence base includes systematic reviews and meta-analyses on copper supplementation in animals, alongside in vitro studies on related copper complexes, suggesting moderate research maturity and quality of evidence.
Benefits
Copper lysinate offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily demonstrated in animal studies due to its enhanced bioavailability. A significant benefit is improved growth performance and feed efficiency, particularly in nursery piglets. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials have shown statistically significant improvements in weight gain and feed conversion ratios when piglets are supplemented with copper lysinate or other organic copper sources (p<0.05). This suggests a robust effect on development in young animals. Additionally, copper plays a crucial role in enhanced wound healing and skin regeneration, largely due to its involvement in angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) and collagen synthesis. Copper lysinate, with its improved absorption, is expected to contribute similarly to these processes. Furthermore, in vitro studies on related copper-binding peptides like GHK suggest potential cytoprotective effects against copper-induced oxidative stress and protein aggregation, which could reduce copper toxicity and inflammation. While these benefits are well-supported in animal models, human data specifically for copper lysinate are scarce, limiting direct translation of these findings to human populations.
How it works
Copper lysinate functions by delivering highly bioavailable copper to the body. Copper is an essential cofactor for numerous enzymes involved in vital biological pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation for energy production, antioxidant defense (e.g., via Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase), connective tissue formation (through lysyl oxidase), and angiogenesis (by inducing VEGF). The chelation with lysine enhances intestinal absorption and reduces the potential toxicity of free copper ions by stabilizing the mineral during digestion. Once absorbed, copper lysinate provides copper in a form readily incorporated into copper-dependent enzymes and metalloproteins, supporting various body systems such as immune function, skin repair, and neurological health. Organic copper forms like lysinate generally exhibit superior absorption compared to inorganic salts due to their improved stability and more efficient transport across intestinal membranes.
Side effects
Copper lysinate is generally considered safe when consumed at recommended nutritional doses. However, excessive intake of copper can lead to toxicity. Common side effects are rare at appropriate doses but may include gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, particularly with higher intakes. More severe, though uncommon or rare, side effects can manifest as symptoms of copper toxicity, which may include liver damage. While some in vitro studies have shown cytotoxicity with high concentrations of copper nanoparticles, this is not directly relevant to the safety profile of copper lysinate supplementation. Copper can interact with other minerals; specifically, it may interfere with the absorption of zinc and iron, although chelated forms like copper lysinate might mitigate this risk. Copper lysinate is contraindicated in individuals diagnosed with Wilson’s disease or other genetic disorders of copper metabolism, as these conditions lead to copper accumulation. Caution is advised for any individual with impaired copper metabolism.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for copper lysinate varies significantly depending on the species and the specific indication, with human dosing data being limited. In animal studies, particularly for growth promotion in nursery piglets, effective doses have ranged from 16 to over 200 mg of copper per kilogram of feed. Benefits were consistently observed at moderate levels, typically between 16 and 80 mg Cu/kg feed. Higher doses, while sometimes showing enhanced effects, require careful consideration due to the increased risk of toxicity. There is no established minimum effective dose or maximum safe dose specifically for human consumption of copper lysinate, and these would depend on regulatory guidelines for general copper supplementation. Continuous supplementation is typically employed during periods of growth or to correct deficiency. Chelated forms like copper lysinate are preferred due to their improved absorption and reduced potential for gastrointestinal irritation compared to inorganic copper salts. Absorption can be influenced by dietary components and overall gut health. It is also important to maintain a balanced intake of other minerals, particularly zinc and iron, to prevent competitive absorption issues.
FAQs
Is copper lysinate more effective than inorganic copper?
Evidence from animal studies, particularly in growth promotion, suggests that organic copper chelates like lysinate have better bioavailability and efficacy compared to inorganic copper salts, leading to improved outcomes.
Is copper lysinate safe for humans?
At nutritional doses, copper lysinate is likely safe for humans. However, human clinical data are limited, and it's crucial to avoid excessive intake as high doses of copper can be toxic.
How quickly does copper lysinate work?
In animal studies, effects on growth or copper status can be observed within weeks. For humans, specific data on the onset of effects for copper lysinate are not readily available.
Does copper lysinate cause side effects?
Copper lysinate is generally well tolerated at recommended doses. Side effects are rare but can occur with overdose, primarily gastrointestinal upset, and in severe cases, copper toxicity.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11135135/ – This in vitro study on GHK peptide, a copper-binding peptide, demonstrated its ability to chelate copper and reduce copper-induced oxidative stress and protein aggregation. While not directly on copper lysinate, it provides mechanistic insights into the cytoprotective potential of copper-chelating compounds.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10892854/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in nursery piglets found that organic copper, including lysinate, significantly improved growth performance. It highlights dose-dependent effects and the high quality of evidence from animal studies, despite some heterogeneity.
- https://academic.oup.com/burnstrauma/article/doi/10.1093/burnst/tkab047/6513334 – This review discusses the role of copper, particularly copper nanoparticles, in promoting angiogenesis and wound healing. It also addresses the potential for copper toxicity at high doses, suggesting that chelated forms like copper lysinate are likely safer due to improved control over copper release.
- http://globalauthorid.com/WebPortal/ArticleView?wd=ED25396E055F3DDDA47FF78F72AB9D43A8E13F4F478A5D37 – This source, while not a direct research paper, is cited in the context of general copper supplementation and its benefits, likely contributing to the broader understanding of copper's role in animal nutrition and health.
- https://ouci.dntb.gov.ua/en/works/735yjPql/ – This source is cited in the context of general copper supplementation and its benefits, likely contributing to the broader understanding of copper's role in animal nutrition and health.