Copper is an essential trace mineral with the highest concentration existing in the brain. It is responsible for a variety of enzymatic reactions in the body and deficiency is not common generally because copper water pipes in many homes and copper cookware are sources of dietary copper. The absorption and utilization of copper can be hindered by elevated intakes of copper antagonists such as zinc, iron, vitamin C and fructose sweeteners.

The intake of copper as its sebacate salt improves its bioavailability. Tests have shown it to be the only form of copper able to promptly restore the function of the copper enzymes tyrosinase, lysyl oxidase, and ceruloplasmin. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is the copper containing enzyme responsible for the breakdown of the superoxide free radical produced as a byproduct of irradiation.