What is Zinc Bisglycinate (Mineral)?
Zinc bisglycinate is a chelated (bisglycinate) form formed by one zinc ion and two glycine molecules. Chelation creates a stable structure that protects zinc from inhibitors such as phytates in the intestines. It is considered a highly bioavailable, gentle organic source of zinc for the stomach.
- Molecular formula: C₄H₈N₂O₄Zn
- CAS number: 14281-83-5
- Form: Powder / Chelated Zinc Bisglycinate
- Quality: Food / Pharmaceutical Grade
- Zinc bisglycinate (chelate, MoA ~317) contains approximately 20–21% elemental zinc; 100 mg of salt contains ~20 mg of elemental Zn.
What is Zinc Bisglycinate - Mineral Used For? Why is it Used?
Zinc bisglycinate is preferred due to its chelated structure, which ensures high absorption even in diets rich in phytates. Its lower irritation to the stomach and neutral taste make it advantageous over ionic salts for long-term daily supplementation.
Main areas of use: Dietary Supplements, Pharmaceutical Formulations, Nutraceutical Products, Cosmetics and Personal Care, Feed and Premix Production.
Usage in Dietary Supplements
- Chelated (bisglycinate) form: Zinc is chelated with two glycine molecules to form a neutral and stable complex; this structure keeps zinc soluble at intestinal pH and protects it from phytates.
- High bioavailability: In a labeled rat model, the actual absorption of zinc glycinate was found to be higher than that of zinc sulfate, and zinc retention increased; it also showed higher bioavailability compared to gluconate in healthy volunteers.
- Gastric tolerance: The amino acid chelate structure irritates the gastric mucosa less than ionic forms like sulfate; the risk of nausea when taken on an empty stomach is lower.
- Dosage logic: The declared amount should be based on elemental zinc; the general daily range is 10–15 mg of elemental zinc (EFSA UL 25 mg/day).
Usage in the Food Industry
- Permitted zinc source: It is a permitted zinc source in the annex of vitamins/mineral forms of the TR Dietary Supplements Regulation and in EU legislation.
- Fortification and premixes: Due to its neutral taste and water solubility, it is preferred in tablets, capsules, and powder premixes; metallic taste/reactivity is lower compared to ionic salts.
Effects on Health
Zinc is a mineral that plays a role in many fundamental functions in the body. The main functions authorized/evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
- Immune system: Zinc contributes to the normal function of the immune system (EFSA).
- DNA synthesis and cell division: Zinc contributes to normal DNA synthesis and cell division (EFSA).
- Protection from oxidative stress: Zinc contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress (EFSA).
- Cognitive function: Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal cognitive function (EFSA).
- Bones, hair, nails, skin: Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, hair, nails, and skin (EFSA).
- Fertility, testosterone, metabolism: Zinc contributes to normal fertility, normal testosterone levels in the blood, and acid-base/macronutrient metabolism (EFSA).
Usage Limits in Dietary Supplements
- Nutrition Reference Value (NRV): Zinc NRV is 10 mg (1169/2011).
- Upper Intake Level (EFSA): EFSA sets the zinc UL at 25 mg/day (total elemental zinc from all sources).
- Turkish legislation (TETGK): Zinc bisglycinate is a permitted zinc source in the TR Regulation; the exact numerical upper limit for daily zinc must be verified from the official annex (not fabricated).
Excessive zinc intake can disrupt copper absorption, leading to copper deficiency; therefore, the UL is limited to 25 mg/day.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Purity | 95.0 - 105.0% |
| Appearance | White Odorless Powder |
| Moisture | ≤5.0 % |
| Solubility | Water Soluble |
Scientific Studies
The following independent research studies relate to the bioavailability, usage, and effects of this mineral (levels of evidence are indicated):
- PubMed 16684142 — A labeled rat study comparing the bioavailability of zinc glycinate and zinc sulfate in the presence of dietary phytates.
- PubMed 23930726 — A randomized controlled study on the prevention of colds using chelated zinc in school children in Thailand.
- PubMed 22566526 — A systematic review and meta-analysis of zinc in the treatment of the common cold.
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA and supply conditions for Zinc Bisglycinate.
References
- efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
- ods.od.nih.gov
- eur-lex.europa.eu
- ieis.org.tr
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The usage and health information on this page has been compiled from official legislation/institution sources (EFSA, NIH ODS, Turkish Food Codex, EUR-Lex) and independent scientific publications (PubMed). The product is a food supplement/food raw material and is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of disease.