Why Bisglycinate Chelate? (Zinc)

What pops into your head when we say 'Zinc'? Perhaps you think of it as the antioxidant mineral found in many nootropics (and foods). Or maybe you know about its studied role in strengthening the immune system? Some may even remember the Zinc as that element from the periodic table, we all studied years back? These are all true of Zinc.*

But if asked about the best form of Zinc to take, you might be left scratching your head.

Well, it's about time to fill that knowledge gap: Zinc Bisglycinate, the form we at HCF® use, is one of the preferred forms of supplemental Zinc.*

Why?

Not all Zinc complexes can be winners.

Zinc is an essential mineral available in several forms, including the most common ones, like Zinc Oxide, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Citrate, Zinc Acetate, Zinc Gluconate, Zinc Picolinate, and Zinc Monomethionine.

Some forms have gained popularity primarily due to their low cost and ease of production, making them the preferred choice in many nootropics.

Zinc Gluconate, for instance, is produced by fermenting glucose. Zinc Sulfate, on the other hand, is obtained by treating Zinc with sulfuric acid. And finally, Zinc Acetate results from a chemical reaction between Zinc Oxide and acetic acid.

But is there a preferred form of supplemental Zinc? As a matter of fact, there is. Scientific research suggests that amino acid mineral chelates have unique properties.*^1,2

Why Bisglycinate Chelate (Zinc)?

Let's start by explaining what a chelate is. In simple terms, a chelate is a harmonious compound where an organic ligand (such as the amino acid Glycine) is attached to a central metal atom—in this case, Zinc! Therefore, in Zinc Bisglycinate, a single Zinc atom forms a strong bond with, or is flanked by, two Glycine amino acids.

But why Glycine? Glycine is a non-essential amino acid, so your body can produce some of it. However, research suggests that additional Glycine through supplementation might offer certain advantages.*³

Plus, Glycine serves as a building block for proteins. It is required in the production of important proteins in the body, including collagen and glutathione.*

Here are some potential Bisglycinate Chelate (Zinc) advantages:

Zinc Bisglycinate is gentle on the stomach.*

The gastrointestinal tract perceives Zinc Bisglycinate Chelate as an organic, pre-digested compound, making it easier on the stomach and ready for absorption in the gut.*

Some individuals may experience stomach discomfort or nausea with certain mineral supplements, especially when taken on an empty stomach.*⁴

It's also better absorbed.*

The form and what the mineral is bound to matter. A common challenge when taking mineral supplements is that the body doesn't easily absorb them due to their natural properties. Plus, diet, lifestyle, and health factors can negatively impact nutrient absorption.*

For example, certain dietary factors, like oxalic acid and phytic acid, have been studied for their potential impact on mineral absorption.*

This poor bioavailability can be overcome by optimizing the mineral's form. It's simple chemistry, really. Some mineral forms are better absorbed than others. And better absorption can also mean better efficacy and tolerability.*

Research suggests that Zinc Bisglycinate may have a better bioavailability (a fancy term for 'absorption') than other forms of Zinc.*⁵

Take Zinc Oxide. It has one of the lowest absorption rates compared to all other forms of this mineral⁶. Yet, it's still used in many nootropics. Why? Because it's inexpensive.*

The same goes for Zinc Gluconate, a common form used in many over-the-counter Zinc supplements. However, research shows that Zinc Bisglycinate Chelate form is 43.4% better absorbed than Zinc Gluconate.*

And the same study also points out that Zinc Bisglycinate is very well tolerated (doesn't cause stomach upset or other problems).*⁵

The Zinc dietary gap is real.*

Adopting a 'food first' approach is always the recommended strategy for maintaining adequate levels of essential nutrients like Zinc. However, plant-based sources of Zinc have lower bioavailability, which can lead to a deficiency of this important micronutrient, especially for those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet.*

But it's not just vegans and vegetarians who need to worry about getting sufficient Zinc. Based solely on food intake, 15% of adults in the United States are not receiving adequate Zinc levels. Because this data comes from nationally representative statistics, that means that roughly 50 million Americans have an unaddressed Zinc gap.*^7,8

This is where high-quality nootropics like HCF® can play an important role. For those concerned about their Zinc intake, HCF® offers Zinc Bisglycinate, a highly bioavailable form of Zinc that helps your body to effectively absorb and utilize the nutrient.*