Chelated minerals

Chelation is (in simple terms) a type of bond of molecules to a metal (minerals like calcium, magnesium etc.). It is derived from the Greek chēlē, meaning "claw". There are synthetic chelates as well as natural ones, like amino acids.

Before 2010 mineral chelates were just referred to as AACs (e.g. Magnesium AAC), for amino acid chelates. The EU decided it wasn’t specific enough and no one knew what amino acids were actually used, so it came about that Glycine was the main chosen amino acid and when reacted with minerals, formed bisglycinates (e.g. Magnesium bisglycinate). These became the approved forms that are in use today.

Amino acid chelated minerals are often better absorbed (than citrates, gluconates etc.) as the body recognises the amino acid as something good (amino acids are the building blocks of protein) and will assimilate it, thus absorbing the mineral as well. They are quite stable and are gentler on the stomach.

They are often more expensive than inorganic minerals, as they undergo different chemical reactions to manufacture them.

If anyone is looking for an amino acid chelated mineral, just use a bisglycinate.