What is Chelation?
Chelation is a process of binding a metal ion with a chelating agent to form a stable, water-soluble complex. In supplements, chelation is used to enhance the bioavailability of minerals by making them easier for the body to absorb.
The most commonly used chelating agents in supplements are amino acids such as glycine, lysine, and methionine. These amino acids have a unique structure that allows them to bind with metal ions, creating a stable complex that can be easily absorbed by the body. The binding sites on the chelating agent are typically nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur atoms. When the chelating agent binds to the metal ion, it forms a ring-like structure known as a chelate.
Benefits of Chelation:
Chelated minerals have been shown to have a higher bioavailability than non-chelated minerals. This means that they are better absorbed and utilized by the body, leading to increased health benefits from the core ingredient. For example, a study conducted on the bioavailability of magnesium found that magnesium glycinate, a chelated form of magnesium, had a higher absorption rate than magnesium oxide, a non-chelated form. This increased absorption may result in a better response to the mineral, such as improved bone health, nerve function, and muscle relaxation.
Chelation is also useful for preventing interactions between minerals and other substances in the body that could reduce their bioavailability. For example, calcium can interfere with the absorption of iron and zinc, but chelating these minerals can prevent this interference, allowing for better overall absorption.
Numerous scientific studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of chelation in improving mineral bioavailability. These studies typically involve comparing the absorption rates of chelated and non-chelated minerals in a controlled setting.
For example, a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that chelated iron was absorbed more efficiently by the body than non-chelated iron. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology found that chelated zinc had higher bioavailability than non-chelated zinc.
The researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study on 16 healthy adult men to compare the absorption of two forms of zinc – chelated zinc (zinc bis-glycinate) and non-chelated zinc (zinc sulfate).
The results showed that the chelated form of zinc had a significantly higher absorption rate compared to the non-chelated form. The researchers also found that the chelated zinc was better tolerated by the participants, with fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to the non-chelated form.
Minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium are commonly chelated to improve their bioavailability.
In conclusion, chelation is a process used in supplements to improve the absorption and bioavailability of minerals. The chelating agent used in this process is typically an amino acid, and scientific studies have shown that chelated minerals are absorbed more efficiently by the body than non-chelated minerals. While chelation is a common practice in the supplement industry, it is particularly important for minerals, such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium, which are essential for maintaining many functions in the body. So, the next time you see the term chelated on your supplement bottle, you know that it means the minerals are more easily absorbed and utilized by your body.
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