EXPLORE A NUTRIENT
Copper, Cu
Discover how amounts vary across foods, on a shared basis for comparison.
Understand this nutrient ↓What is it?
The element Cu is reported in mg; its amount does not identify a particular compound. [1] [2]
An identity reference, not the appearance of the food.
Description, source and attribution
Element Cu, atomic number 29. The graphic does not assign an oxidation state or compound to the food measurement.
Original Bitameans element graphic; symbol and atomic number from PubChem. Source · Reuse terms
Source check:
A COMMON BASIS
Foods, per 100 g
196 foods with data 10 not reported, excluded from ranking
- Pumpkin seeds
Dried pumpkin/squash seed kernels, without shells.
1.343 mg - Black pepper
Black pepper spice.
1.33 mg - Pine nuts
Nuts, pine nuts, dried, exactly as identified by USDA.
1.324 mg - Ground turmeric
Ground turmeric spice.
1.3 mg - Flaxseed
Flaxseed; source does not specify grinding.
1.22 mg - Walnuts
English walnut halves, raw.
1.206 mg - Pistachios
Nuts, pistachio nuts, raw, exactly as identified by USDA.
1.054 mg - Nutmeg
Spices, nutmeg, ground, exactly as identified by USDA.
1.027 mg - Almonds
Whole almonds, raw.
0.9104 mg - Pecans
Pecan halves, raw.
0.9065 mg - Cumin seed
Cumin seed spice.
0.867 mg - Dried thyme
Spices, thyme, dried, exactly as identified by USDA.
0.86 mg
All results are sorted before pagination. Bars compare amounts within this search; they do not indicate health benefits. Not reported does not mean zero.
UNDERSTAND THE DATA
The nutrient, in context
How to read this ranking
This page compares Copper, Cu (Copper, Cu), in mg per 100 g of food.
Chemical forms and measurement methods remain separate. “Not reported” means a value is unavailable, not that the food contains zero. A food’s rank does not determine your individual needs or diagnose a deficiency.
This NIH fact sheet concerns this nutrient. Its recommended amounts describe daily intake for the stated population, not a 100 g food portion. Keep food and supplement exposure separate as the source specifies.
NIH · OFFICE OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
Copper: Fact Sheet for Consumers
Original text published by NIH, including intake tables by age and sex, cautions, and the population context the source states. Bitameans has not performed an independent medical review or adapted these recommendations to your personal circumstances.
What is copper and what does it do?
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.
How much copper do I need?
The amount of copper you need each day depends on your age. Average daily recommended amounts are listed below in micrograms (mcg).
| Life Stage | Recommended Amount |
|---|---|
| Birth to 6 months | 200 mcg |
Identity and structure sources
- PubChem Periodic Table of Elements · Accessed 2026-09-13
- USDA FoodData Central: Foundation Foods Documentation · Accessed 2026-09-13