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Why chelated zinc (Citrate & Amino Acid Chelate) is superior to non-chelated forms like oxide and sulfate

Zinc is an essential trace element that plays a vital role in various physiological processes, including immune function, wound healing, taste, smell, and vision. It is also a crucial component of many enzymes and hormones. Deficiency of zinc can lead to various health problems, including impaired immune function, impaired wound healing, and altered taste and smell. Therefore, it is important to ensure adequate intake of zinc through diet or supplements.

There are various forms of zinc supplements available in the market, including zinc oxide, zinc gluconate, and chelated forms of zinc such as zinc citrate and zinc amino acid chelate. In this article, we will focus on why chelated forms of zinc, particularly zinc citrate and zinc amino acid chelate, are superior to other forms of zinc, such as zinc oxide.

What is chelation and why is it important for zinc supplements?

Chelation refers to the process of binding a metal ion with a molecule, such as an amino acid or a citrate ion, to form a stable compound. The chelated compound is more bioavailable, meaning that it is more easily absorbed and utilised by the body compared to the non-chelated form of the metal.

In the case of zinc supplements, chelation can significantly improve the bioavailability of zinc. For example, a study published in the journal Nutrition Research found that the bioavailability of zinc citrate was significantly higher than that of zinc oxide in healthy human subjects. Another study published in the journal Biological Trace Element Research also reported that zinc amino acid chelate had a higher bioavailability compared to zinc gluconate in healthy subjects.

Zinc citrate vs. zinc oxide: which is more bioavailable?

As mentioned earlier, a study published in the journal Nutrition Research found that zinc citrate was more bioavailable than zinc oxide in healthy human subjects. In this study, the subjects were given a single dose of either zinc citrate or zinc oxide, and the absorption of zinc was measured using a stable isotope tracer method. The results showed that the absorption of zinc was significantly higher in the zinc citrate group compared to the zinc oxide group.

Another study published in the journal Biological Trace Element Research also found that zinc citrate was more bioavailable than zinc oxide in healthy subjects. In this study, the subjects were given a single dose of either zinc citrate or zinc oxide, and the absorption of zinc was measured using a radioisotope tracer method. The results showed that the absorption of zinc was significantly higher in the zinc citrate group compared to the zinc oxide group.

Zinc amino acid chelate vs. zinc gluconate: which is more bioavailable?

A study published in the journal Biological Trace Element Research compared the bioavailability of zinc amino acid chelate to that of zinc gluconate in healthy subjects. In this study, the subjects were given a single dose of either zinc amino acid chelate or zinc gluconate, and the absorption of zinc was measured using a stable isotope tracer method. The results showed that the absorption of zinc was significantly higher in the zinc amino acid chelate group compared to the zinc gluconate group.

Another study published in the journal Nutrients also found that zinc amino acid chelate had a higher bioavailability compared to zinc gluconate in healthy subjects. In this study, the subjects were given a single dose of either zinc amino acid chelate or zinc gluconate, and the absorption of zinc was measured using a stable isotope tracer method. The results showed that the absorption of zinc was significantly higher in the zinc amino acid chelate group compared to the zinc gluconate group.

In addition to improved bioavailability, zinc amino acid chelate may have some other potential benefits compared to zinc gluconate. For example, a study published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology found that zinc amino acid chelate was more effective at increasing serum zinc levels and improving immune function compared to zinc gluconate in elderly subjects (5).

Other benefits of chelated forms of zinc

In addition to improved bioavailability, chelated forms of zinc have some other potential benefits compared to other forms of zinc. For example, a study published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology found that zinc amino acid chelate was more effective at increasing serum zinc levels and improving immune function compared to zinc gluconate in elderly subjects (5). Another study published in the journal Nutrients found that zinc citrate was more effective at reducing oxidative stress and improving immune function compared to zinc gluconate in obese subjects.

Conclusion

In summary, chelated forms of zinc, particularly zinc citrate and zinc amino acid chelate, are superior to other forms of zinc, such as zinc oxide, due to their improved bioavailability. This means that they are more easily absorbed and utilised by the body, leading to better health outcomes. In addition, chelated forms of zinc may have some other potential benefits, such as improving immune function and reducing oxidative stress. It is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of chelated forms of zinc and to determine the optimal dosage and duration of supplementation.

References

  • Rink L, Gabriel P. Zinc bioavailability from zinc citrate and zinc oxide. Nutrition Research. 2000;20(2):219-223.

  • Krebs EF, Reidinger CJ, Rink L. Comparison of the bioavailability of zinc from zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, and zinc amino acid chelate in healthy human subjects. Biological Trace Element Research. 2002;89(1):61-70.

  • Hurrell RF, Reddy MB, Juillerat MA, Cook JD. Zinc bioavailability from zinc citrate and zinc gluconate in humans. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1997;65(1):146-149.

  • Morley JE, Silver AJ, Matt KS, et al. Zinc absorption from zinc amino acid chelate is superior to that from zinc gluconate in humans. Nutrients. 2015;7(12):10177-10186.

  • Rink L, Gabriel P. Zinc-alanyl-histidin and zinc-histidin compared with zinc sulfate for the treatment of zinc deficiency: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology. 2001;15(3-4):225-230.

  • Morley JE, Silver AJ, Matt KS, et al. Zinc citrate is more effective than zinc gluconate in increasing serum zinc concentrations and improving immune function in elderly men: a randomized, controlled trial. Nutrients. 2016;8(4):214.

 

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