Safety Profile
Known Safety Concerns
- Hepatotoxicity at doses approaching or exceeding UL (10 mg per day)
- Lower tolerability than organic copper forms -- GI irritation
- Historical use as emetic -- acute toxicity at high doses
- UL 10 mg per day -- most people receive adequate copper from diet
Contraindications
- Hepatotoxicity at doses approaching or exceeding UL (10 mg per day)
- Lower tolerability than organic copper forms -- GI irritation
Interactions
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Evidence and Scientific Findings
Ingredient Overview
Copper sulfate is the inorganic form of copper less commonly used in consumer supplements (copper gluconate and bisglycinate are preferred). At supplement doses it is effective but has a lower tolerability profile than organic copper forms. Copper excess causes hepatotoxicity. UL is 10 mg per day. Copper sulfate in large amounts is an emetic and has been misused as a poison historically.
Biological and Chemical Classification
- Scientific Name
- Copper sulfate
Mechanism of Action
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Pharmacokinetics
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Recommended Dosage
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
SETI — Scientific Evidence Transparency Index
Executive Summary — Ingredient Assessment
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or RCT)
- Main clinical benefit observed: Mineral
- Evidence consistency: High consistency across studies (100%)
- Hepatotoxicity at doses approaching or exceeding UL (10 mg per day)
- Lower tolerability than organic copper forms -- GI irritation
- Historical use as emetic -- acute toxicity at high doses
- UL 10 mg per day -- most people receive adequate copper from diet
The available scientific evidence for Copper Sulfate indicates notable safety signals that warrant caution. Use should be considered carefully and monitored, particularly in sensitive populations or alongside other medications.
Total SETI Score
High risk| Evidence quality | 10/40 |
| Evidence consistency | 20/20 |
| Safety signals | 0/20 |
| Study recency | 10/10 |
| Evidence transparency | 10/10 |
Evidence Summary
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or systematic review)
- 0 studies identified benefits or no safety concern (GREEN)
- 10 studies reported limited or advisory safety evidence (YELLOW)
Evidence Policy
Only peer-reviewed scientific literature indexed in PubMed or comparable databases is included in this evaluation. Commercial websites, blogs, and marketing materials are excluded. All references include direct traceable links to source documents.
Last updated: 24 მარ 2026, 08:34
Evidence Distribution
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWToxicological impact assessment of the marine diatoms Skeletonema costatum and Navicula sp., using the anti-fouling agents CuSO(4), DCOIT, and ECONEA. ↗Kim T et al.. Toxicological impact assessment of the marine diatoms Skeletonema costatum and Navicula sp., using the anti-fouling agents CuSO(4), DCOIT, and ECONEA.. Mar Pollut Bull. 2026. PMID:41844075.PMID 41844075 ↗Journal Mar Pollut BullYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41844075/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWEffects of Copper Glycinate Replacing High-Dose Copper Sulfate on Growth Performance, Trace Element Metabolism and Stem Cell Activity in Growing Pigs. ↗Gao X et al.. Effects of Copper Glycinate Replacing High-Dose Copper Sulfate on Growth Performance, Trace Element Metabolism and Stem Cell Activity in Growing Pigs.. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2026. PMID:41824266.PMID 41824266 ↗Journal Biol Trace Elem ResYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41824266/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWEffective Antibacterial Medical Mask Based on the Novel Biosynthesized Copper Nanoparticles (CuNPs). ↗Kumeleh SM et al.. Effective Antibacterial Medical Mask Based on the Novel Biosynthesized Copper Nanoparticles (CuNPs).. Int J Microbiol. 2026. PMID:41809982.PMID 41809982 ↗Journal Int J MicrobiolYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41809982/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWRole of extracorporeal therapy in poisoning - A case based narrative. ↗Quaiser S et al.. Role of extracorporeal therapy in poisoning - A case based narrative.. Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci. 2026. PMID:41798046.PMID 41798046 ↗Journal Int J Crit Illn Inj SciYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41798046/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWInjection molded multidrug intravaginal rings with antimicrobial properties for prophylaxis and cancer treatment in women's health context. ↗Raimundo GA et al.. Injection molded multidrug intravaginal rings with antimicrobial properties for prophylaxis and cancer treatment in women's health context.. Drug Dev Ind Pharm. 2026. PMID:41784214.PMID 41784214 ↗Journal Drug Dev Ind PharmYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41784214/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWPeimisine-sulfide improves inflammation caused by copper sulfate through inhibiting ferroptosis using zebrafish embryos. ↗Chen S et al.. Peimisine-sulfide improves inflammation caused by copper sulfate through inhibiting ferroptosis using zebrafish embryos.. J Environ Sci (China). 2026. PMID:41765578.PMID 41765578 ↗Journal J Environ Sci (China)Year 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41765578/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWCuO nanoparticles trigger cuproptosis-linked mitochondrial damage and gut Microbiota-Metabolome disruption in zebrafish. ↗Zhang L et al.. CuO nanoparticles trigger cuproptosis-linked mitochondrial damage and gut Microbiota-Metabolome disruption in zebrafish.. Environ Pollut. 2026. PMID:41720241.PMID 41720241 ↗Journal Environ PollutYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41720241/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOW2,2'-Biquinoline Modified Expanded Graphite Electrode for the Detection of Cuprous Ions in Electrolytic Copper Foil Electrolyte. ↗Ming Z et al.. 2,2'-Biquinoline Modified Expanded Graphite Electrode for the Detection of Cuprous Ions in Electrolytic Copper Foil Electrolyte.. Materials (Basel). 2026. PMID:41681275.PMID 41681275 ↗Journal Materials (Basel)Year 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41681275/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWTemperature-driven phase transformations and microstructure evolution in the thermoelectric colusite Cu(26)V(2)Sn(6)S(32). An in situ synchrotron diffraction study. ↗Guiot F et al.. Temperature-driven phase transformations and microstructure evolution in the thermoelectric colusite Cu(26)V(2)Sn(6)S(32). An in situ synchrotron diffraction study.. Dalton Trans. 2026. PMID:41668559.PMID 41668559 ↗Journal Dalton TransYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41668559/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWLessons from the Past: Examining the Historical Context of Trachoma Management in Iran (1925-1941). ↗Saghebi R et al.. Lessons from the Past: Examining the Historical Context of Trachoma Management in Iran (1925-1941).. Arch Iran Med. 2025. PMID:41778430.PMID 41778430 ↗Journal Arch Iran MedYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41778430/
Score Transparency
0 of 10 approved references (score saturates at 10). More peer-reviewed studies = stronger evidence base.
Method: Q = number of approved references ÷ 10 (capped at 1.0)
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies
Method: L = mean study-level weight across approved references. Level 1 (meta-analysis / systematic review) = 1.0; Level 2 (RCT) = 0.8; Level 3 (cohort/case-control) = 0.6; Level 4 (case report) = 0.4; Level 5 (animal / in-vitro) = 0.2.
Mixed or neutral — roughly equal benefit and risk signals
Method: D = (sum of risk-scored references − sum of benefit-scored references) ÷ total evidence score, then scaled from [−1, 1] to [0, 1]. 0.0 = pure benefit; 0.5 = neutral; 1.0 = pure risk.
One or more monitoring-level safety signals active
Method: S = 0.5 (neutral baseline) + sum of active signal severity deltas ÷ 10. Severity deltas: Critical = +2.0, High = +1.5, Moderate = +1.0, Low = +0.5. Capped at 1.0.
Final GIRI Score for Copper Sulfate. Risk level thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
Full methodology & data sources
The GIRI Score is computed entirely from structured data — no editorial scoring or subjective weighting is applied at any step.
- References: Only approved references are counted. Each reference is assigned an evidence level (L1–L5) and a direction (risk / neutral / benefit) by the reference manager or AI classifier.
- Safety Signals: Sourced from regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others) and pharmacovigilance databases. Only active signals count toward the score.
- Formula version: GIRI Score v3.7.0 — Q × L × D × S × 10.
- Limitations: The score reflects published evidence and recorded signals as of the last update date. It is not a clinical risk assessment and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Risk Level Classification
Based on available regulatory signals and scientific evidence, this ingredient presents a moderate safety concern. Caution is advised, particularly at high doses or in sensitive populations.
0–3.0
3.0–5.5
5.5–7.5
7.5–10
The score pin shows exactly where this ingredient falls on the fixed risk scale.
What drove the Moderate classification for Copper Sulfate
A score of 4.5 places this ingredient in the Moderate band. Thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
0 approved references.
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies (Level 4–5).
Neutral or mixed — benefit and risk signals roughly balanced.
No active signals — S component is at neutral baseline (0.5), contributing no extra risk weight.
No major regulatory restrictions or advisories recorded across monitored jurisdictions (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others).
How are the Low / Moderate / High / Critical thresholds defined?
The four risk levels are fixed score bands. A score is assigned to exactly one level based on where it falls:
| Level | Score | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | 0.0 – 2.9 | Sparse or predominantly beneficial evidence. No active safety alerts. |
| MODERATE | 3.0 – 5.4 | Mixed signals — some risk alongside benefit. Caution at high doses or in sensitive groups. |
| HIGH | 5.5 – 7.4 | Multiple studies or regulatory alerts documenting adverse effects. Professional oversight recommended. |
| CRITICAL | 7.5 – 10 | Regulatory restrictions in one or more major jurisdictions. Serious documented harm. Avoid without specialist supervision. |
Thresholds are fixed constants (GIRI_Score_Utils::LEVEL_THRESHOLDS). They do not change per ingredient and are never subject to editorial adjustment.