Balancing High Zinc Supplement Intake: How Much Copper is Needed?
Discover how high doses of zinc can affect copper absorption and why maintaining a 10:1 zinc-to-copper ratio is crucial. Learn the importance of consulting a healthcare professional before making significant adjustments to your supplement regimen.
How much copper with 220 zinc
When taking high doses of zinc (such as 220 mg, which is significantly above the tolerable upper intake level of 40 mg/day), it is important to also consider the intake of copper, since high zinc levels can interfere with copper absorption1. Zinc's interference with copper absorption can lead to copper deficiency, potentially causing anemia and neurological issues2.
For people taking high doses of zinc, a proportional intake of copper is essential to prevent deficiency. Although specific ratios will vary based on individual health conditions and absorption rates, a common recommendation is to maintain a zinc-to-copper ratio of approximately 10:13. Therefore, if you are taking 220 mg of zinc, you might consider around 22 mg of copper. However, because this is a substantially high dose that goes beyond typical dietary supplementation, it is imperative to consult with a healthcare professional before making any adjustments.
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