But if I asked you about the best form of zinc to take, you might greet me with a blank stare. That’s because, while the science is there, this bit of info hasn’t become mainstream just yet. It’s time to fill that knowledge gap: Zinc bisglycinate is the best form of supplemental zinc, and I can explain why. To prevent zinc deficiency1, women need at least 8 milligrams (mg) of zinc daily (that need increases to 11 mg during pregnancy and 12 mg when breastfeeding), while men require at least 11 mg of zinc each day. That’s a minimum requirement. For optimal health and targeted support (think immunity), zinc needs are thought to be even higher2 (15 to 30 mg).* But herbivores aren’t the only folks who should be concerned about getting enough zinc. Considering food sources alone, 15% of U.S. adults are not getting enough zinc2. Because this statistic comes from nationally representative data, that means that approximately 50 million Americans have an unaddressed zinc gap. mbg’s immune support+ is a targeted combination of five ingredients: three immune-essential nutrients (zinc bisglycinate, vitamin C, and vitamin D3) and two plant bioactives (quercetin phytosome and Wellmune® beta-glucan) to bolster your natural defenses on the daily.* It’s important to inspect your supplement and ask, what is zinc’s “partner” or “other half”? For example, your zinc supplement may contain zinc bisglycinate (sometimes referred to as zinc glycinate), zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, zinc gluconate, zinc acetate, zinc picolinate, zinc citrate, zinc monomethionine, etc. While zinc supplements may be widely available, they can’t all be winners. Some are simply better, and their superiority is rooted in research. Amino acid mineral chelates are that unique and premium form. A chelate is a balanced compound or complex that contains an organic ligand (e.g., the amino acid glycine) bonded to a central metal atom (zinc!). So for zinc bisglycinate, it’s one zinc atom covalently bonded to (or flanked by) two glycine amino acids. Here are four reasons zinc bisglycinate is my top choice for zinc supplements: Some people experience gastric discomfort or nausea when consuming minerals in supplement form, particularly on an empty stomach. Chelated minerals are expertly designed to be soluble and stable in the acidic pH of the stomach, circumventing these unpleasant side effects. In that way, amino acids (the building blocks of protein) are the perfect partner to deliver key minerals like zinc efficiently through the GI tract, across the intestinal wall, and into the bloodstream for its delivery to cells throughout the body. And this benefit isn’t theoretical. There are clinical trials cementing the superiority of zinc bisglycinate over other types of zinc complexes. For example, absorption is significantly less for zinc oxide4 than other varieties like zinc citrate and zinc gluconate. We also know that the zinc bisglycinate chelate form is superior in absorption5 (by a lot: 43% higher absorption) than zinc gluconate. This superior bioavailability of zinc bisglycinate vs. other mineral complexes (zinc gluconate, picolinate, and oxide) also translates into higher plasma levels of zinc (i.e., more zinc is absorbed and makes its way to your bloodstream). In other words, zinc bisglycinate improves your overall zinc status better than other zinc supplements. If you were keeping track, that puts zinc bisglycinate on top (and zinc oxide on the bottom) when it comes to bioavailability. As the pioneers in mineral technology, Albion leverages proprietary and patented technologies (at least 150 patents) to create genuine mineral amino acid chelates that are stable and nutritionally functional in the body. While zinc is the focus of this article, it’s important to point out that the zinc and the glycine amino acids from zinc bisglycinate chelates are both 100% nutritionally useful to the body. Win-win. This zinc does not contain animal products or byproducts and has been tested for precision, purity, and potency. It’s free of pesticides and is not manufactured with solvents. Plus, advanced metal detection procedures are utilized for each batch, to ensure the integrity of the mineral. I strongly recommend you flip over your product and read the Supplement Facts panel to see what kind of zinc you’re taking. Science points to the superior choice, and it’s the chelated form: zinc bisglycinate. In addition to her mindbodygreen contributions, Ferira is published in Health, Metagenics Institute, American Family Physician, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, and Osteoporosis International. She has a passion for the translation of evidence-based science into innovative and high-quality products and information that help people lead healthier lives. She is a believer in compassionate, informed, and personalized approaches to nutrition, health care, and wellness. Ashley lives in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina, where she was born and raised. Whether savoring an orchestral performance or delectable meal at a local restaurant, you will find her enjoying Charleston’s cultural and culinary arts with family and friends.
