When it comes to choosing a mineral supplement, size doesn’t matter – But form does. In this article, we’ll explain what chelation is and why it matters.*
Why Are Minerals Important?
Minerals are essential nutrients that the body needs to perform vital functions. While only small amounts are required, minerals play critical roles in maintaining overall health and wellness. Examples of essential minerals include magnesium, copper, zinc, iron, and selenium.*
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 includes minerals as a vital component that Americans should get from food choices that make up a healthy, nutritional diet. These guidelines also recommend that people on more restrictive diets (for example, vegans or vegetarians) should consider supplementing their mineral intake (1).*
Because the body cannot produce minerals on its own, they must be obtained through food or supplementation. Factors such as dietary choices, age, digestive health, and certain medications can influence how effectively minerals are absorbed and utilized. This is one reason why the form of a mineral (including whether it is chelated) can make a meaningful difference in nutritional support (2).*
Understanding Chelation
The word “chelate” from the Greek word “chele”, meaning “claw”. The etymology makes sense when you picture the strong bonds formed during the chelation process. Chelation bonds a mineral to an amino acid, which makes it far more absorbable than standard mineral salts (3).*
Why does this matter? Amino acids are easily identified and assimilated by the body. The amino acid is the ligand that supports the transport of the mineral into the intestinal cell, maximizing the bioavailability of the mineral.*
At Healthy Origins, we’re proud to be partnered with Albion Laboratories, the world leader in amino acid nutrition since 1956. Our chelated mineral supplements are produced using Albion’s special chelation technology. The scientists at Albion have found a way to substantially increase the bioavailability of these supplements by bonding elements with the amino acid glycine.*
Benefits of Chelation
One of the primary benefits of chelation is improved bioavailability. By attaching a mineral to an amino acid or other organic molecule, the mineral may be protected from interactions that can limit absorption in the digestive tract (4).*
Mineral chelates have been shown to be less likely to bind to anti-nutrients, and demonstrate higher bioavailability. In comparison, inorganic mineral salts can bind to anti-nutrients which can reduce their absorption (3).*
Choosing a Chelated Mineral Supplement
At Healthy Origins, we offer a variety of supplements that use this form, helping you get the nutritional support you need with forms selected for quality, stability, and bioavailability.*
Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate
Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate by Healthy Origins is produced using chelation technology to substantially increase the bioavailability of elemental magnesium by bonding it with the amino acid glycine.*
For those looking for a wide range of daily support, we have good news. This highly-bioavailable magnesium has been the subject of many clinical trials for cardiovascular health, women’s health, respiratory health, neurological health and digestive health.*
Our Magnesium Bisglycinate Chelate is available in both capsule and powdered form, making it simple to fit into any wellness routine.*
Zinc Bisglycinate Chelate
Zinc is a common favorite to take at the onset of a pesky cold, but the benefits don’t stop there. Our Zinc Bisglycinate Chelate has been produced using Albion Laboratories’ chelation technology for maximized bioavailability. Zinc Bisglycinate Chelate may help to support immune health, hair health, skin health, nail health, cellular health, DNA formation and healthy vision.*
Chelated Multi Mineral
This supplement is our broad-spectrum mineral product with iron-free high absorption, once again thanks to Albion’s chelation technology. You’ll find a variety of beneficial chelated minerals in this formula, most notably magnesium, calcium, zinc, and potassium.*
Chelated Multi Mineral may support bone health, brain health, cardiovascular health, and muscle health.*
Summing It Up
When you look at a supplement label, it's easy to focus on how much of a nutrient is included. But the form of that nutrient matters, too. Chelation is one of many factors that can influence the quality and form of a mineral supplement. Understanding the differences between mineral forms can help you make more informed decisions when choosing supplements that fit your individual needs and wellness routine.*
Whether you're new to supplements or someone who enjoys reading ingredient labels, understanding chelated minerals is another useful tool for navigating the world of nutrition with confidence.*
Sources
- https://cdn.realfood.gov/DGA.pdf
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/vitamins-and-minerals
- https://balchem.com/hnh/mn/albion-minerals/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/chelated-minerals
