The Chelation Advantage: Enhancing Nutrient Absorption through Amino Acid-Mineral Bonding

Did you know that the Western diet (also known as the Standard American Diet, or SAD) often includes ultra-processed foods, red meat, refined sugars, and saturated fats? That means most of us following this diet might not consume enough of certain essential nutrients.

So, why the chelation amino acid-mineral bonding?

Research reveals a startling truth. Studies suggest that most Americans (nearly 90% of the population) do not eat enough vegetables. And up to 80% may not eat enough fruits either.^1,2

So, what's missing from our diet? And why does what we eat matter so much?

And since most essential nutrients come from food, a poor diet can significantly contribute to nutrient deficiency.

It's a common problem further exacerbated by many nutrients being difficult to absorb. For instance, did you know that your intestine can only absorb between 0.4 and 2.5% of the mineral Chromium from food?*³

So what can happen when your brain network (that includes the head-brain, the heart-brain, and the gut-brain) doesn't get enough nutrients? A potential nutrient deficiency. It can typically occur when your body doesn't receive enough essential nutrients from diet alone.*

And since nutrients are necessary for your ‘three brains’ (and the rest of your body) to function efficiently, a vitamin, mineral, or amino acid deficiency can impact your overall well-being.*

But what does all this have to do with amino acids and brain health?

Amino acids are organic compounds often called protein's building blocks.

They're necessary for a bunch of bodily functions, like making protein, creating hormones and neurotransmitters, and even aiding us to perform better in sports.*

There are 20 amino acids, but only 9 are super special—we call them ‘essential.’ Why? Because our bodies can't whip them up on their own... we have to get them from our food. 

Your ‘brain network’ is always hungry for amino acids. It also loves a good dose of B vitamins and minerals. It's always hungry for nutrients because it needs them to build neurotransmitters (think of them as the brain's mail carriers), send nerve signals, and turn food into energy.*

And here's the kicker—if you don't get enough of these nutrients, the brain function may take a hit.*

So, what are chelated minerals?

Well, they're basically minerals that have been mixed up with amino acids. Our bodies are really good at soaking up amino acids, so pairing them with minerals makes those minerals easier for our bodies to take in, too.*

Here's the scoop: Chelation refers to bonding a mineral ion (like Calcium, Magnesium, or Zinc) with a molecule that can ‘grab’ it—often an amino acid. This bond creates a new compound known as a chelate, which has different properties than the original mineral ion.

Why is higher bioavailability a big deal?

Because bioavailable minerals are more easily absorbed by the body and the amino acid acts as a carrier. It picks up the mineral across the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream. There, it can be used by the body. With chelated minerals, there's less waste because your body can absorb more.*

This means you don't have to overload on trace minerals just to compensate for what your body can't take in. It's like having a safety net that ensures your body uses the nutrients you consume properly.*^4,5

In fact, chelation is such a necessary process that is currently being explored for potentially improving absorption rates in nootropics. And that's why HCF® uses chelation in our nootropics.*

The advantage of a high mineral to amino acid ratio.*

A high 4:1 mineral-to-amino acid ratio may significantly enhance digestion and absorption. But why is this the case? Firstly, minerals like Zinc and Magnesium are important for producing stomach acid for protein digestion.*

It's super important for breaking down proteins, making the individual amino acids more accessible for absorption.*

And guess what? Minerals play a big part in this, too. They allow enzymes to break down proteins into individual amino acids. Without these minerals, the enzymes might slack off, and the breakdown of proteins could be hindered.*

Plus, some minerals, like Sodium, are involved in transporting some amino acids across the intestinal wall, ensuring that amino acids are effectively absorbed into your bloodstream.*