What is an Amino Acid Chelated Mineral?
An Amino Acid Chelated Mineral is a Mineral bound to an Amino Acid Molecule (the simplest breakdown unit of protein). By binding a Mineral to an Amino Acid Molecule, it renders the molecule neutral and thus makes the molecule have a high affinity for the gastro-intestinal villi, rendering absorption quicker and more efficient (enhances the Mineral’s affinity for absorption). Amino Acids in themselves have a high affinity for the gastro-intestinal villi and for absorption.
When the Amino Acid Chelated Mineral is absorbed, it remains in the Bloodstream as a Bound Molecule, and it is this a Bound and Neutral Molecule that will have its effects in the Body.
Advantages of Amino Acid Chelated Minerals:
- High Affinity for Absorption
- Stay in the Bloodstream as a Bound Neutral Molecule
- Lower Side Effect Profile and Softer on the Stomach
Disadvantages of Amino Acid Chelated Minerals:
- Costly
- Have a Low Elemental Value and thus usually need to be put into a Formulation at much higher quantities, making the formulation very Bulky
Examples: Iron Salts can be bound to a number of different Minerals
Fe-AAC (Iron Amino Acid Chelate)
FeSO4 (Ferrous Sulphate)
C4H2FeO4 (Ferrous Fumarate)
C12H25FeO14 (Iron Polymaltose)
