Chelated vs. Non-Chelated: The Science of Chelation Bioavailability

Chelated minerals, in essence, are minerals bound to amino acids. This unique bond generates a protective layer around the mineral. The result? Research indicates it might play a role in the absorption process in the digestive tract.*

Non-chelated minerals, on the other hand, lack this amino acid bond. They enter your body in their raw form. It may look like a tiny difference, but its implications are vast. Here's what you need to know about chelated vs. non-chelated minerals:

What exactly is chelation bioavailability?

Answer: chelation bioavailability refers to minerals' enhanced absorption and utilization when they are chelated, or bound, to amino acids.*

Are you finding it a bit confusing? Let's talk some science to better explain the whole process.

Chelation transforms minerals into a stable, organic form that the body can easily recognize and absorb.¹ Chelated minerals mimic the minerals naturally found in foods, allowing them to bypass common inhibitors in the digestive tract.*²

As a result, they are more resistant to factors that can hinder absorption (such as dietary phytates or oxalates).³ In contrast, non-chelated minerals often face competition for absorption and can interact with other compounds, potentially reducing their bioavailability.*

OK, but how do all these affect you? Here's a more in-depth explanation of chelated vs. non-chelated minerals. Plus, it's one of the reasons we considered this process for our HCF® advanced nootropics:

Is it true that chelated minerals are better absorbed?

Yes, most evidence supports this, as research suggests that mineral amino acid chelates can be more readily absorbed.*

→ For instance, a human study revealed that Calcium Bisglycinate (chelated) had an up to 44% absorption rate. In contrast, Calcium Carbonate (non-chelated) only had a 23% rate when consumed without food.*

That means your body gets more Calcium from the chelated Calcium to support your general health.*⁴

However, it's worth mentioning that non-chelated minerals aren't without merit. Their absorption can be enhanced when consumed with meals. The same study showed a 6% increase in Calcium Carbonate absorption when paired with food.*

Stability is a hallmark of chelated minerals.*

Non-chelated minerals are more likely to disintegrate into charged particles (ions), making them more interactive and potentially reducing mineral absorption. This can also inhibit the absorption of other essential nutrients.*⁵

On the other hand, chelated minerals maintain a neutral charge, preventing them from binding with other compounds. Plus, chelation can help mineral stability in multivitamin-mineral nootropics, potentially preventing interactions that may degrade nutrients.*⁶

→ A study highlighted that a non-chelated mineral supplement experienced a 40% Vitamin C loss over six months of proper storage, while its chelated counterpart showed negligible Vitamin C degradation.*⁷

What about tolerance?

When bound to ligands, chelated minerals are considered milder on the digestive system, reducing the likelihood of stomach discomfort.*

For instance, non-chelated Iron, Zinc, or Magnesium may cause unwanted adverse effects, especially when consumed without food, while their chelated counterparts are gentler.*^8,9

→ A 1991 double-blind study compared the effects of Ferrous Sulfate and Ferrous Bisglycinate on 38 healthy women. Approximately 37% reported moderate-to-severe discomfort solely with the non-chelated Ferrous Sulfate. The chelated Bisglycinate form was associated with fewer issues like bloating and constipation.*¹⁰

Moreover, chelated mineral supplements, such as Zinc Bisglycinate, have been proven to be more agreeable for young adults.*¹¹