· By Kelin Marquet
Zinc Bisglycinate Chelate. Why It’s Worth Your Attention
Zinc is one of the most important nutrients in the body — it’s the second-most abundant metal after iron and is found in every single cell. This essential mineral plays a role in supporting your immune system, wound healing, digestion, and even skin health.*
What is Zinc Bisglycinate?
Zinc bisglycinate is a chelated form of zinc — which means the zinc is attached to two molecules of the amino acid glycine. (“Bis” means “two.”) This structure may help the body absorb zinc more efficiently while minimizing stomach upset. Sometimes you’ll also hear it referred to as zinc glycine.
While zinc bisglycinate isn’t studied as extensively as zinc picolinate, emerging research shows it may be one of the most effective and gentle forms of zinc available.
Image credit: PubChem via the National Library of Medicine
Why Zinc Bisglycinate Chelate?
Several studies suggest zinc bisglycinate may be more bioavailable compared to other forms of zinc.
📊 In a 6-week study, zinc bisglycinate was compared with zinc gluconate and a placebo. After 6 weeks, 10 out of 10 subjects taking bisglycinate showed improved blood zinc levels, compared with only 4 of 10 in the gluconate group — and some in that group even saw a decrease (DiSilvestro et al.). Source
📊 Another study compared bisglycinate, picolinate, gluconate, and oxide. Just 4 hours after supplementation, bisglycinate produced the highest zinc red blood cell levels, followed by picolinate (DiSilvestro & Swan). Source
While the second study was short-term and didn’t measure long-term blood levels, together the findings suggest that zinc bisglycinate — along with zinc picolinate — may be two of the most effective supplemental forms for supporting zinc status. That’s why we include both in our Zinc Immunity formula for maximum benefit.
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Sources
1- Moderately High Dose Zinc Gluconate or Zinc Glycinate: Effects on Plasma Zinc and Erythrocyte Superoxide Dismutase Activities in Young Adult Women
2- Comparison of Four Commercially Available Zinc Supplements for Performance in a Zinc Tolerance Test