Questions & Answers

Q: What exactly are Amino Acid Chelates?

A: Our intestines, where mineral absorption occurs, are highly complex environments susceptible to sudden change. As a result natural absorption of minerals does not always occur or minerals are absorbed to varying degrees. For maximum absorption some minerals need to be “escorted” through the intestinal wall to where they are needed. Chelation is the process by which these “escorting” substances are attached to the minerals, making them easier to absorb.

Special technology is used to attach “escorting substances” to the mineral to make it more soluble in the body. Then it can be absorbed quickly and less excess mineral is discarded.

With the various minerals in FAB products (iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc) the escorting substances used are amino acids sourced from plant proteins.

Minerals such as iron have a positive electrical charge while the intestinal wall has a slightly negative charge. This means that the minerals tend to adhere to the walls so only small amounts are absorbed. Amino acid chelates are formed when naturally occurring, and neutral, amino acids bind to the mineral in such a way as to shield the electrical charge making it more likely to be absorbed through the intestinal lining. Because more of a chelated mineral can be absorbed, it also means that less is left behind in the gut to cause side effects such as constipation, etc.