chelated minerals suplimentation

3. What Are Chelated Minerals, and Do They
Have Benefits?

4. Minerals are key nutrients that the body
requires to function. They affect various aspects
of bodily function, such as : growth, bone health,
muscle contractions, fluid balance, and other
processes.
However, many are difficult for the body to
absorb. That’s why chelated minerals, which are
supplements touted for improved absorption,
have gained interest recently.
Chelated minerals are bound to compounds
like amino or organic acids, which are meant to
boost your body’s uptake of the mineral at hand.
This Workshop explains whether chelated

5. What are chelated minerals?
Minerals are a type of nutrient that your body
needs to function properly. As your body cannot
produce minerals, you must obtain them through
your diet.
Yet, many are difficult to absorb. For example,
your intestine may only absorb 0.4–2.5% of
chromium from food

6. What are chelated minerals?
 Minerals are a type of
nutrient that your body
needs to function properly.
As your body cannot
produce minerals, you must
obtain them through your
diet.
 Yet, many are difficult to
absorb. For example, your
intestine may only absorb
0.4–2.5% of chromium from
food

7. Chelated minerals are meant to boost
absorption. They’re bound to a chelating
agent, which are typically organic
compounds or amino acids that help
prevent the minerals from interacting
with other compounds.
For example, chromium picolinate is a type
of chromium attached to three molecules
of picolinic acid. It’s absorbed through a
different pathway than dietary chromium
and appears to be more stable in your
body

8. SUMMARY
Chelated minerals are minerals
bound to a chelating agent,
which is designed to enhance
their absorption in your
body.

9. Various types of chelated minerals
Most minerals are available in chelated form. Some of
the most common include:
calcium
zinc
iron
copper
magnesium
potassium
cobalt
chromium
molybdenum
They’re typically made using an amino or organic acid.

10. Amino acids
These amino acids are commonly used to
make mineral chelates:
Aspartic acid: used to make zinc aspartate,
magnesium aspartate, and more
Methionine: used to make copper
methionine, zinc methionine, and more
Monomethionine: used to make zinc
monomethionine
Lysine: used to make calcium lysinate
Glycine: used to make magnesium

11. Organic acids
Organic acids used to make mineral chelates include:
Acetic acid: used to make zinc acetate, calcium
and more
Citric acid: used to make chromium citrate,
citrate, and more
Orotic acid: used to make magnesium orotate, lithium
orotate, and more
Gluconic acid: used to make iron gluconate, zinc
gluconate, and more
Fumaric acid: used to make iron (ferrous) fumarate
Picolinic acid: used to make chromium picolinate,
manganese picolinate, and more

12. SUMMARY
Chelated minerals are
usually joined to either organic
acids or amino acids.
Most mineral supplements
are available in chelated form.

13. Do chelated minerals have
better absorption?
Chelated minerals are often touted as
having better absorption than non-
chelated ones.
Several studies have compared the
absorption of the two.
For example, a study in 15 adults found
that chelated zinc (as zinc citrate and zinc
gluconate) was absorbed around 11%
more effectively than non-chelated zinc

15. Similarly, a study in 30 adults
noted that magnesium
glycerophosphate (chelated)
raised blood magnesium levels
significantly more than
magnesium oxide (non-chelated)

16. What’s more, some researches suggest that
taking chelated minerals may reduce the total
amount you need to consume to reach healthy
blood levels. This is important for people at
risk of excess mineral intake, such as iron
overload.
For example, in a study in 300 infants, giving
0.34 mg per pound of body weight (0.75 mg
per kg) of iron bisglycinate (chelated) daily
raised blood iron levels to levels similar to
those caused by 4 times that amount of iron
sulfate (non-chelated) .

17. A study in 23 postmenopausal
women showed that 1,000 mg of calcium
carbonate (non-chelated) was more rapidly
absorbed and raised blood calcium levels more
effectively than the same amount of calcium
citrate (chelated) .
Meanwhile, a study in pregnant women
with iron deficiency found
in blood iron levels when comparing
chelated iron (ferrous bisglycinate) with regular
iron (ferrous sulfate) .

18. However, these findings should be
interpreted with caution, as
animals have significantly
different digestive tracts than
humans. These differences can
affect mineral absorption.
Given that the current research is
mixed, more research on chelated
minerals is needed.

19. SUMMARY
Current search provides mixed
results on whether chelated
minerals are absorbed better
than regular minerals.
More studies are needed before
one can be recommended over
the other.

20. Should you buy chelated
minerals?
In some situations, taking the chelated form of a
mineral may be more suitable.
For instance, chelated minerals may benefit
older adults. As you age, you may produce less
stomach acid, which can affect mineral
absorption .
Because chelated minerals are bound to an
amino or organic acid, they don’t require as
much stomach acid to be efficiently digested

21. Similarly, people who experience stomach pain
after taking supplements may benefit from chelated
minerals, as they’re less dependent on stomach acid
for digestion.
Nonetheless, regular, non-chelated minerals are
sufficient for most adults.
Plus, chelated minerals tend to cost more than
non-chelated ones. If cost is a concern for you, stick
with regular mineral supplements.
Keep in mind that mineral supplements are
unnecessary for most healthy adults unless your diet
doesn’t provide enough to meet your daily needs. In
most instances, mineral supplements aren’t a

22. Still, vegans, blood donors,
pregnant women, and certain
other populations may benefit
from regularly supplementing
with minerals.
If you plan on taking chelated
minerals, you should speak with a
healthcare professional
beforehand.

23. SUMMARY
Some individuals, such as
older adults and those who have
difficulty tolerating regular supplements,
may benefit from chelated minerals.
For certain populations, such as older
adults and those with stomach issues,
chelated minerals are a suitable
alternative to regular minerals. However,
for most healthy adults, there’s no need
to choose one over the other.

24. What Is Chelated
Zinc
And
What Does It Do?

25. Chelated zinc is a type of zinc
supplement. It contains zinc that’s been
attached to a chelating agent.
Chelating agents are chemical
compounds that bond with metal ions
(such as zinc) to create a stable, water-
soluble product that can be easily
absorbed by the body.
Zinc supplements are used by people
who can’t get enough zinc in their
regular diet. Zinc is an

26. Why do we need zinc?
Zinc is :
helps your immune system defend against
viruses and bacteria
supports your body’s protein production.
helps your body make DNA (the genetic
material in all cells)
supports your senses of smell and taste
helps wounds heal

27. Types of chelated zinc
Amino acids
aspartic acid: used to make zinc aspartate
methionine: used to make zinc methionine
Organic acids
acetic acid: used to make zinc acetate
citric acid: used to make zinc citrate
gluconic acid: used to make zinc gluconate
orotic acid: used to make zinc orotate
picolinic acid: used to make zinc picolinate
Zn supplements combining zinc with inorganic
acids as (zinc sulfate) and (zinc oxide) are also

28. Which type of chelated zinc has the
best absorption?
The more easily absorbed types of
zinc supplements include:
zinc picolinate
zinc citrate
zinc acetate
zinc monomethionine

29. Age Male Female
0–6 months
2 mg (adequate
intake)
2 mg (adequate
intake)
7–12 months 3 mg 3 mg
1–3 years 3 mg 3 mg
4–8 years 5 mg 5 mg
9–13 years 8 mg 8 mg
14–18 years 11 mg 9 mg
19+ years 11 mg 8 mg
How much zinc should I take
the current recommended daily allowances (RDA) for zinc (in milligrams) are
People who are pregnant need slightly more zinc than is recommended for
people who aren’t pregnant. Pregnant teens and adults need 12 mg and 11
mg, respectively, of zinc daily; breastfeeding teens and adults need 13 mg

30. Can I get too much zinc?
Yes, it’s possible to get too much zinc in
Can I get too little zinc?
Insufficient zinc in your diet
can have the following
effects:
slow growth for infants and
children
delayed sexual
developments in
adolescents
impotence in men
hair loss
diarrhea
skin and eye sores
weight loss
problems with wound
healing

31. Who’s at risk for a zinc deficiency?
Those who are at risk of getting an inadequate
amount of zinc include:
vegetarians
people with certain diseases, such as chronic renal
disease, chronic liver disease, diabetes, or sickle cell
disease
people with certain gastrointestinal diseases, such
as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
people who misuse alcohol
pregnant and lactating women
older infants who are exclusively breastfed
people who take too much copper (because zinc and
copper compete for absorption)

32. Interactions with other medications
There is some risk of zinc supplements interacting with
certain medications you may be taking, including:
Quinolone or tetracycline antibiotics: Zinc may affect
absorption of these types of antibiotics. Take a zinc
supplement 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after these
antibiotics will help prevent this interaction.
Penicillamine (Depen, Cuprimine): This medication may
decrease the amount of zinc in your body, take a zinc
supplement 2 hours before penicillamine to avoid this
interaction.
Thiazide diuretics: These blood pressure medications
increase the amount of zinc that you lose when you urinate.
Talk to your doctor about taking zinc supplements while
using this type of diuretic.

33. Mineral Deficiency
What is a mineral deficiency?
Minerals are specific kinds of nutrients that your body
needs in order to function properly. A mineral
deficiency occurs when your body doesn’t obtain or
absorb the required amount of a mineral.
The human body requires different amounts of each
mineral to stay healthy. Specific needs are outlined in
recommended daily allowances (RDA).
The RDA is the average amount that meets the needs
of about 97 percent of healthy people. They can be
obtained from food, mineral supplements, and food
products that have been fortified with extra minerals.

34. A deficiency often happens slowly over
time and can be caused by a number of
reasons. An increased need for the
mineral, lack of the mineral in the diet, or
difficulty absorbing the mineral from food
are some of the more common reasons.
Mineral deficiencies can lead to a variety
of health problems, such as weak bones,
fatigue, or a decreased immune system.

35. What types of mineral
deficiency are there?
There are five main categories
of mineral deficiency:
calcium,
iron,
magnesium,
potassium and zinc.

36. Calcium deficiency
Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth. It also supports
proper function of your blood vessels, muscles, nerves, and
hormones.
Natural sources of calcium include milk, yogurt, cheese, and
small fish with bones, beans, and peas. Vegetables such as
broccoli, kale, and Chinese cabbage also provide calcium.
Some foods are also fortified with the mineral, including tofu,
cereals, and juices.
A calcium deficiency produces few obvious symptoms in the
short term. That’s because your body carefully regulates the
amount of calcium in the blood. Lack of calcium over the long
term can lead to decreased bone mineral density called
osteopenia.
If left untreated, osteopenia can turn to osteoporosis. This
increases the risk of bone fractures, especially in older adults.

37. Severe calcium deficiency is usually caused
by medical problems or treatments, such
as medications (like diuretics), surgery to
remove the stomach, or kidney failure.
Symptoms of a severe deficiency include:
cramping of the muscles
numbness
tingling in the fingers
fatigue
poor appetite
irregular heart rhythms

38. Iron deficiency
More than half of the iron in your body is in red blood cells. Iron is
an important part of hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen to
your tissues.
Iron is also a part of other proteins and enzymes that keep your
body healthy. The best sources of iron are meat, poultry, or fish.
Plant-based foods such as beans or lentils are also good sources.
Iron deficiency develops slowly and can cause anemia. It’s
considered uncommon in the United States and in people with
healthy diets. But, the World Health Organization estimated in a
2008 report that iron deficiency causes approximately half of all
anemia cases worldwide.
The symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia include feeling
weak and tired. You may be performing poorly at work or school.
Children may exhibit signs through slow social and cognitive
development.

39. Magnesium deficiency
The body needs magnesium for hundreds
of chemical reactions. These include
responses that control blood glucose levels
and blood pressure. Proper function of
muscles and nerves, brain function, energy
metabolism, and protein production are
also controlled by magnesium.
Roughly 60 percent of the body’s
magnesium resides in the bones while
nearly 40 percent resides in muscle and
soft tissue cells. Good sources of
magnesium include:
legumes
nuts
seeds
whole grains
green leafy vegetables, such as spinach

40. Magnesium deficiency is uncommon in
healthy people. The kidneys can keep
magnesium from leaving the body through
the urine. Still, certain medications and
chronic health conditions like alcoholism
may cause magnesium deficiency.
Magnesium needs are also highly
influenced by the presence of disease. In
this situation, the RDA for magnesium may
not be sufficient for some individuals.
Early signs of magnesium deficiency
include:
fatigue
weakness
loss of appetite
nausea
vomiting

41. Magnesium deficiency can lead
to the following symptoms if left
untreated:
numbness
tingling
muscle cramps
seizures
abnormal rhythms of the heart

42. Potassium deficiency
Potassium is a mineral that functions as an electrolyte. It’s
required for muscle contraction, proper heart function, and the
transmission of nerve signals. It’s also needed by a few enzymes,
including one that helps your body turn carbohydrates into
energy.
The best sources of potassium are fruits and vegetables, such as
bananas, avocado, dark leafy greens, beets, potatoes, and plums.
Other good sources include orange juice and nuts.
The most common cause of potassium deficiency is excessive
fluid loss. Examples can include extended vomiting, kidney
disease, or the use of certain medications such as diuretics.
Symptoms of potassium deficiency include muscle cramping and
weakness. Other symptoms show up as constipation, bloating, or
abdominal pain caused by paralysis of the intestines.
Severe potassium deficiency can cause paralysis of the muscles
or irregular heart rhythms that may lead to death.

43. Zinc deficiency
Zinc plays a role in many aspects of the body’s
metabolism. These include:
protein synthesis
immune system function
wound healing
DNA synthesis
It’s also important for proper growth and
development during pregnancy, childhood, and
adolescence. Zinc deficiency can cause loss of
appetite, taste, or smell. Decreased function of
the immune system and slowed growth are
other symptoms.

44. What causes mineral deficiency?
One major cause of mineral deficiency is simply not
getting enough essential minerals from food or
supplements. Difficulty with digestion of food or
absorption of nutrients can result in mineral deficiency.
Potential causes of these difficulties include:
diseases of the liver, gallbladder, intestine, pancreas, or
kidney
surgery of the digestive tract
chronic alcoholism
medications such as antacids, antibiotics, laxatives, and
diuretics
Mineral deficiency can also result from an increased
need for certain minerals. Women, for instance, may
encounter this need during pregnancy, heavy

45. How is a mineral deficiency
diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider may use one or more of the
following diagnostic tools to determine if you have a
mineral deficiency:
medical history, including symptoms and family
history of diseases
physical exam
review of your diet and eating habits
routine blood tests, such as complete blood count
(CBC) and a measurement of electrolytes (minerals) in
the blood