Ive reported previously about the efficacy in terms of absorbability (bioavailability) of the amino acid chelated version we recommend aka: magnesium glycinate.
Doctors Best provided me with this explanation offered in one of their product data sheets on their product, the High Absorption Magnesium Magnesium glycinate that we recommend via Hans web vitamin link with iHerb. [
www.iherb.com]
Maximizing AbsorptionChelated Minerals Explained
Mineral absorption occurs mainly in the small intestine. Like any mineral,
magnesium may be absorbed as an ion, a mineral in its elemental state that carries an electric charge. Mineral ions cross the intestinal membrane either through active transport by a protein carrier imbedded in the cells lining the membrane inner wall, or by simple diffusion. The magnesium in mineral salts is absorbed in ionic form.
However, absorption of ionic minerals can be compromised by an number of factors, including: 1) Low solubility of the starting salt, which inhibits release of the mineral ion, and 2) Binding of the released ion to naturally occurring dietary factors such as phytates, fats and other minerals
that form indigestible mineral complexes.18
A second absorption mechanism has been discovered for minerals.
Experiments have shown that minerals chemically bound to amino acids
(building blocks of protein) are absorbed differently than mineral ions. This
has given rise to the introduction of chelated minerals as dietary supplements.
Mineral amino acid chelates consist of a single atom of elemental mineral
that is surrounded by two or more amino acid molecules in a stable,
ring-like structure.
Unlike mineral salts, which must be digested by stomach acid before the
desired mineral portion can be released and absorbed, mineral chelates are
not broken down in the stomach or intestines. Instead, chelates cross the
intestinal wall intact, carrying the mineral tightly bound and hidden within
the amino acid ring. The mineral is then released into the bloodstream for use by the body.
Research by pioneers in the field of mineral chelation and human nutrition
indicates that the best-absorbed chelates consist of one mineral atom chelated with two amino acids. This form of chelate is called a di-peptide.
Compared to other chelates, di-peptides have the ideal chemical attributes
for optimum absorption.19 Di-peptide chelates demonstrate superior absorption compared to mineral salts. For example, a magnesium di-peptide chelate was shown to be four times better absorbed than magnesium oxide. 20
Consumer Alert! Not all amino acid chelates are true chelates. In order for a mineral supplement to qualify as a genuine chelate, it must be carefully processed to ensure the mineral is chemically bonded to the amino acids in a stable molecule with the right characteristics. The magnesium bisglycinate/ lysinate in High Absorption Magnesium is a genuine di-peptide chelate (bis means two). It has a molecular weight of 324 daltons, considerably lower than the upper limit of 800 daltons stated in the definition of mineral amino acid chelates adopted by the National Nutritional Foods Association in 1996.21
References:
18.Pineda, O., Ashmead, H.D., Effectiveness of treatment of iron-deficiency anemia in infants and young children with ferrous bis-glycinate chelate.Nutrition,2001.17:p.381-84.
19.Adibi, A., Intestinal transport of dipetides in man: Relative importance of hydrolysis and intact absorption. J Clin Invest, 1971. 50:p. 2266-75.
20. Ashmead, H.D., Graff, D., Ashmead, H., Intestinal Absorption of Metal Ions and Chelates. 1985, Springfield, Illinois: Charles C.Thomas.
21.NNFA definition of mineral amino acid chlelates, in NNFA Today. 1996.p. 15.
