text: Melanin is synthesized in the body from the dietary protein Tyrosine.  Melanin does not contain copper but it does contain several carbon atoms (it is an organic molecule).\n\nNote: Copper is needed as a co-factor for the enzyme involved in Melanin synthesis (the enzyme is tyrosine hydroxylase, also called tyrosinase).\n\nHope this is helpful.\n\nBest wishes.