Ingredient · Updated
Copper Sulfate
Found in 5 products
What is Copper Sulfate?
Copper sulfate is a chemical compound that consists of copper, sulfur, and oxygen. It is typically found in a blue crystalline solid form and is produced by treating copper metal or its oxides with sulfuric acid.
Copper sulfate is used primarily in agriculture as a fungicide, herbicide, and pesticide. It also appears in some products like baby formula and pet food to provide essential copper, which is a trace mineral necessary for various bodily functions. However, in higher concentrations, it can pose health risks such as gastrointestinal distress if ingested in substantial amounts.
When seeing copper sulfate on a label, it is important to consider that while copper is an essential nutrient, the concentration and context determine its safety and health implications.
Commonly found in: Agricultural fungicide, Herbicide, Pesticide, Animal feed additive, Nutrient supplement
What to watch
- High levels of copper sulfate intake can cause stomach pain and nausea.
- Overexposure to copper sulfate may lead to liver and kidney damage.
Benefits
- Copper sulfate is used to supply essential copper in animal feed formulations.
Copper sulfate is allowed in food and feed but is regulated to ensure safe levels.
Studies acknowledge copper sulfate's essential role in nutrition but also highlight toxicity risks at high doses.
Copper sulfate is mineral-derived and generally accepted in vegan products.
Sources: Copper Sulfate in Agriculture
Scout's take
Inorganic copper source; concerning at elevated levels; less bioavailable than organic copper forms
The case against
Excessive intake may lead to copper toxicity.
from the analysis of Abbott Optigro grow & gain vanilla shakeThe case for
Supports iron metabolism and provides antioxidant protection.
from the analysis of Abbott Optigro grow & gain vanilla shakeMore from Scout's analyses
Named vitamin or mineral component listed on the nutrition shake label.
from the analysis of Ensure Original Nutrition Shake VanillaProcessed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
from the analysis of Abbott Optigro grow & gain vanilla shakeInorganic copper; potential toxicity at elevated doses
from the analysis of Good Start Gentle Pro FormulaAll 5 products with Copper Sulfate
Where Copper Sulfate shows up
- Baby Formula 2 products
- Dog Food 1 product
- Protein Powders 1 product
- Beverages 1 product
Higher-scoring picks without Copper Sulfate
Products from the same categories whose analyzed ingredient list does not include Copper Sulfate, scoring 80 or above.
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