Can copper bisglycinate be taken on an empty stomach?

Can Copper Bisglycinate Be Taken on an Empty Stomach?

Yes, copper bisglycinate can be taken on an empty stomach, and this is actually preferable for optimal absorption, though the evidence specifically addresses copper chelators (penicillamine, trientine) rather than copper supplementation directly.

Absorption Considerations

The available guideline evidence addresses copper chelating agents rather than copper supplements, but the principles of copper-food interaction are relevant:

• Copper chelators should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals because food interferes with absorption 1
• Taking medications closer to meals is acceptable if it ensures compliance, but absorption may be reduced 1

Gastrointestinal Tolerability

Copper bisglycinate formulations are generally better tolerated than other mineral forms:

• Bisglycinate chelates (studied with iron) demonstrate superior GI tolerability compared to sulfate or fumarate forms 2
• Ferrous bisglycinate 25 mg showed significantly fewer GI complaints than ferrous sulphate or ferrous fumarate in equipotent doses 2
• The chelated bisglycinate form appears to cause less gastric irritation than inorganic salts 2

Acute Copper Exposure Effects

If taking copper sulfate or other non-chelated forms on an empty stomach, be aware:

• Acute copper exposure (10 mg Cu/L as copper sulfate) on an empty stomach can cause nausea in approximately 20% of individuals 3, 4
• Copper sulfate specifically acts as a gastric irritant and increases gastric permeability 3, 4
• These effects occur within the first 60 minutes after ingestion 3

Practical Recommendations

For copper bisglycinate supplementation:

• Take on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) for optimal absorption 1
• The bisglycinate form should be better tolerated than copper sulfate, reducing nausea risk 2
• If GI symptoms occur, taking with food is acceptable but may reduce absorption 1
• Standard supplementation doses (1-3 mg daily) are well below the threshold that typically causes acute GI symptoms 1

Important Caveats

• Copper sulfate and other inorganic copper salts may cause more gastric irritation than bisglycinate forms 5, 3, 4
• If taking zinc supplements, maintain proper zinc-to-copper ratio (8-15 mg zinc per 1 mg copper) as zinc interferes with copper absorption 1, 6
• Monitor for signs of copper toxicity if taking high doses, though this is rare with standard supplementation 1, 7