Copper vessel enthusiasts are circulating many health claims online about these cups, suggesting, among other things, that they can boost immunity, support digestion, and enhance iron absorption.
Although the mineral copper can help to support these bodily functions, there isn’t robust human data to suggest that drinking from a copper cup will have the same effect, says Jamie Alan, PhD, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University in East Lansing.
“Although copper is an antioxidant,” Dr. Alan says, “there is only a trace amount that will be absorbed, therefore it likely has few effects” in the body.
Copper deficiency also isn’t common in people. “A true copper deficiency is rare,” Alan says.
She points out that many whole foods provide copper, including nuts, seeds, and grains — in other words, copper is usually abundant in our diets.
One claim that is true: Because of copper’s antimicrobial properties, cups made from it can help purify water, Alan says. However, tap water is heavily monitored and regulated in the United States, so it’s unlikely that your H20 needs any additional filtering or cleaning.
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