
Are
chelated minerals better than other kinds?
Obtaining
sufficient essential minerals is vital for our health and wellness,
yet some people do not get enough from diet alone. How do we best
choose what kinds of mineral supplements to buy?
Most
mineral supplements occur as compounds, such as magnesium citrate
or calcium carbonate -- and each mineral may appear in several
different forms. Some dietary supplement manufacturers sell "chelated"
minerals, which they claim are better absorbed by the body.
What
does the term "chelated" mean when used to describe
a mineral supplement?
Chelated
basically means "firmly attached", usually to an amino acid or
other organic component so that the two do not disassociate in
the digestive system.
Are
chelated compounds better than other forms of minerals -- such as
carbonates or citrates or ascorbates?
For
some minerals, a chelated compound is better than some other
forms. For some it is similar or worse and therefore a waste
of money.
What
are the other kinds of molecules or compounds -- and their implications
for bioavailability?
All
of the minerals are different and individual.
Both
calcium and magnesium are examples where "chelated
forms" are very little if any better absorbed. Inorganic compounds
of both calcium and magnesium, say calcium carbonate and magnesium
oxide, are easily separated and the calcium and magnesium
ions are well absorbed -- unless you are aged or otherwise
have insufficient stomach acids (or take antacids every time
you eat). If
money is no object or stomach acid is weak, then calcium citrate
is better than the much cheaper calcium carbonate (limestone).
On
the other hand, selenium is well absorbed in both its
inorganic forms sodium selenite and sodium selenate, but these
have somewhat different effects on the body than the equally
well absorbed chelated forms selenomethionine, selenoglutathione,
and selenocsyteine. In this case, therefore, it is prudent
to take some of each.
Sources:
Paul Wakfer (was Tom Matthews)
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