Is 2 mg of copper a day safe?

2 milligrams (2,000 micrograms) of copper is within the adult upper limit of 10,000 micrograms (10 milligrams) a day. That is about 2.2 times the adult RDA of 900 micrograms.

Checked 28 September 2026 · Sources: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements fact sheet and NHS vitamins and minerals guidance · Adults onlyUS: Within the upper limitUK: Within NHS guidance

General information, not medical advice. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking a supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take any medicine, or are under 18.

In the UK

2 milligrams (2,000 micrograms) of copper is within the NHS guidance of 10 milligrams a day from food, water and supplements together. In the UK, adults need 1.2 milligrams a day.

The figures

US (NIH)UK (NHS)
Amount checked2 mg (2,000 mcg)
AnswerWithin the upper limitWithin NHS guidance
Compared with10,000 micrograms (10 milligrams) a day10 milligrams a day from food, water and supplements together
Share of the limit20% of the limit20% of the limit
Adults need900 micrograms a day1.2 milligrams a day

Quick answers

Is 2 mg of copper a day safe?
2 milligrams (2,000 micrograms) of copper is within the adult upper limit of 10,000 micrograms (10 milligrams) a day. That is about 2.2 times the adult RDA of 900 micrograms.
What does the NHS say about 2 mg of copper?
2 milligrams (2,000 micrograms) of copper is within the NHS guidance of 10 milligrams a day from food, water and supplements together. In the UK, adults need 1.2 milligrams a day.
What is the upper limit for copper?
US: 10,000 micrograms (10 milligrams) a day. UK (NHS): 10 milligrams a day from food, water and supplements together.

Sources

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