Bisglycinate: why is this form of mineral so popular?
Zinc bisglycinate, iron bisglycinate, magnesium bisglycinate: this suffix appears on more and more labels. Is it a trend or a genuine breakthrough? Here is a simple explanation of what lies behind this chelated form, what studies on assimilation show, and what its limitations are.
📑 Summary
- What is a bisglycinate?
- Why the mineral form changes assimilation
- Zinc bisglycinate
- Iron bisglycinate
- Magnesium bisglycinate
- How to read a label and choose
🔬 What is a bisglycinate?
A bisglycinate is a mineral bound to two molecules of glycine, the smallest of the amino acids. It is referred to as a chelated form: the mineral is "enclosed" by the glycine molecules, which forms a stable complex. Zinc, iron, or magnesium, therefore, do not circulate alone in the digestive tract but are associated with an amino acid that the body knows how to recognize.
🧬 One mineral, several forms
On the market, the same mineral exists in very different forms: inorganic salts (oxide, sulfate, carbonate), organic salts (citrate, gluconate, malate), and amino acid chelates (bisglycinate). Each has its own characteristics regarding solubility, absorption, and tolerance. This is why the dose in milligrams of "elemental mineral" and the chemical form must always be read together.
🧪 Why the mineral form changes assimilation
In the intestine, minerals must remain soluble and cross the intestinal wall. Several obstacles can hinder this: phytates from whole grains and legumes, certain polyphenols, or competition between minerals. The principle proposed for chelates is that the complex with glycine partially protects the mineral from these interactions and promotes its absorption.
🧬 Caution regarding superlatives
We must remain measured: studies are of varying sizes and quality, some are conducted on specific populations, and most compare a limited number of forms. We can say that bisglycinate is a well-studied and often well-tolerated form, not that it is "the best" in all situations. Our comparison Zinc bisglycinate, gluconate, or citrate demonstrates these nuances.
🛡️ Zinc bisglycinate
Zinc contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system, the maintenance of normal skin, hair, and nails, the protection of cells against oxidative stress, and the maintenance of normal blood testosterone levels (claims authorized by Regulation (EU) No. 432/2012).
🧬 What research shows
A crossover study conducted on adult volunteers compared zinc bisglycinate to zinc gluconate and observed a higher relative bioavailability for the bisglycinate form (Gandia et al., 2007). However, the sample sizes were modest, and the study does not allow for a conclusion of universal superiority. Bisglycinate is also renowned for its good digestive tolerance, an asset when zinc is taken over the long term. Note that the EFSA has set a safe upper limit for zinc (25 mg per day for adults, from all sources combined): it is important to check the dosage of each product (EFSA, 2014).
For needs and signs of deficiency, consult Zinc: roles, daily requirements, and signs of deficiency.
✅ Our Zinc Bisglycinate at Pure Lab Nutrition: 15 mg of zinc per tablet in bisglycinate form, combined with vitamins B6 and C, for a one-year course (1 tablet per day).
👉 Discover our Zinc Bisglycinate here.
🩸 Iron bisglycinate
Iron contributes to the reduction of fatigue, normal oxygen transport in the body, normal cognitive function, and the normal functioning of the immune system (authorized claims). Iron is also the mineral for which the form most influences tolerance: classic ferrous salts often cause digestive discomfort.
🧬 Absorption and regulation
Work on ferrous bisglycinate has shown that its absorption is regulated according to the person's iron status: it is higher when reserves are low and lower when reserves are sufficient (Bovell-Benjamin et al., 2000). This mechanism is interesting, but it does not exempt us from caution: excess iron can be harmful and should only be supplemented if there is a proven need, ideally after a blood test and advice from a healthcare professional. This is precisely why some multivitamin formulas choose not to include it.
Combining iron with vitamin C is a known strategy, since vitamin C increases iron absorption (authorized claim). To learn more on this subject, read Persistent fatigue: which deficiencies should be checked?.
🧂 Magnesium bisglycinate
Magnesium contributes to the reduction of fatigue, electrolyte balance, normal functioning of the nervous system and muscles, and normal psychological function (authorized claims). Among its forms, bisglycinate is appreciated for its digestive gentleness, whereas other salts (oxide, for example) can accelerate transit.
🧬 What do the studies say?
An older study conducted on patients who had undergone ileal resection compared magnesium diglycinate to magnesium oxide and observed better absorption with the glycine-bound form (Schuette et al., 1994). As this population was specific, the results cannot be directly extrapolated to everyone. Most importantly, remember that organic forms are generally better tolerated than oxide, and that many formulas combine several forms to diversify absorption profiles.
To compare, consult Marine magnesium or bisglycinate: which one to choose? and What is the best form of magnesium?.
✅ Our Multi Magnesium at Pure Lab Nutrition: 300 mg of magnesium per day from three forms (bisglycinate, taurinate, malate), with vitamins B6 and D, in 120 vegan capsules.
👉 Discover our Multi Magnesium here.
🏷️ How to read a label and choose
Bisglycinate is not a guarantee in itself: it is one indicator of quality among others. Here are some habits for judging a product:
- Check the elemental mineral dosage, not just the total weight of the complex.
- Check the exact form: "bisglycinate," "diglycinate," or simply "glycinate" are not always strictly identical.
- Compare with meals: for a sensitive stomach, take the mineral with a light meal.
- Respect safety limits and do not combine several products providing the same mineral.
🧬 And the price?
A more elaborate form generally costs more than an oxide. The right value is judged by the useful daily dosage and tolerance, not by the price per bottle. To decipher labels, our article How to read a food supplement label is a good companion. A food supplement should not replace a varied and balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle.
✅ In summary
1️⃣ A bisglycinate is a mineral bound to two molecules of glycine, a well-studied chelated form.
2️⃣ Available data are encouraging for zinc, iron, and magnesium, but with limitations regarding sample sizes and populations.
3️⃣ Digestive tolerance is often an asset, particularly for iron and magnesium.
4️⃣ Always judge the elemental mineral dosage, respect safety limits, and seek advice if in doubt.
Pure Lab Nutrition — The art of nourishing your well-being.
Scientific sources:
- Gandia P, Bour D, Maurette JM, et al. A bioavailability study comparing two oral formulations containing zinc (Zn bis-glycinate vs. Zn gluconate) after a single dose administration to twelve healthy female volunteers. International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research 2007;77(4):243-248.
- Bovell-Benjamin AC, Viteri FE, Allen LH. Iron absorption from ferrous bisglycinate and ferric trisglycinate in whole maize is regulated by iron status. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2000;71(6):1563-1569.
- Schuette SA, Lashner BA, Janghorbani M. Bioavailability of magnesium diglycinate vs magnesium oxide in patients with ileal resection. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 1994;18(5):430-435.
- EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for zinc. EFSA Journal 2014;12(10):3844.
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 of 16 May 2012 establishing a list of permitted health claims made on foods.
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