Supplements in practice - Amino Acid Chelates:

Question 1

Amino Acid Chelates:

Answer 1

Amino acid chelates: Chelator + mineral atom = chelate.
* Chelator: Substance that binds tightly to mineral atoms and forces the mineral to go wherever the chelator goes.
* Mineral ion attached by covalent bonds to two or more amino acids in the same molecule.
Advantages:
* Bypasses competitive absorption that can occur between different minerals (amino acid disguise); absorbed as a protein instead of as a mineral.
* Body treats it as a peptide and is efficient at absorbing amino acids.
* Extends length of absorption sites to large portion of small intestine.

Question 2

Minerals in chelated form (using amino acids / organic acids)

Answer 2

Most minerals are available in chelated form, typically using an amino acid or organic acid. Examples include: Calcium, zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, potassium, cobalt, chromium, molybdenum.

Amino acids: * Aspartic acid: Zinc aspartate, magnesium aspartate, etc.
* Methionine: Copper methionine, zinc methionine, etc.
* Monomethionine: Zinc monomethionine.
* Lysine: Calcium lysinate.
* Glycine: Magnesium glycinate.

Organic acids: * Acetic acid: Zinc acetate, calcium acetate, etc.
* Citric acid: Chromium citrate, magnesium citrate, etc.
* Orotic acid: Magnesium orotate, lithium orotate.
* Gluconic acid: Iron gluconate, zinc gluconate, etc.
* Fumaric acid: Iron (ferrous) fumarate.
* Picolinic acid: Chromium picolinate, manganese picolinate, etc.

Question 3

Considerations:

Answer 3

• Amino acid complexes may be too tightly bonded.
• Minerals may not be released from this tight bond with the carrier if cellular energy is poor.
• Amino acid chelate complexes may often be too large for capsules so dosage can end up too low; it is beneficial to combine with other forms of minerals.
• Quality and price limitations as amino acids chelates may be too expensive for clients.