Q. What are the differences between organic minerals? |
A.Metal proteinates are compounds containing a mineral bonded (chelated) to amino acids and/or hydrolyzed protein. The mineral must be bonded to hydrolyzed protein and may (or may not) contain an amino acid. A metal proteinate cannot be standardized and its bonds identified because the protein bonded to the mineral changes with each molecule and varies from batch to batch.By definition, a metal proteinate is too large to be absorbed intact and therefore requires further digestion before the mineral can be absorbed. Frequently the metal is lost during digestion and no mineral absorption occurs. This is one reason why animal studies that employ metal proteinates have such variable results: Sometimes the minerals are absorbed. Sometimes they are not. Due to the varying nature of amino acids and/or hydrolyzed protein (ligands) used to make a metal proteinate, chelation has not been proven. The molecule is only theoritical. Metal amino acid complexes occur when the organic material (ligand) donates two electrons to the metal to form a bond. Amino acid complexed minerals are not chelates even when the complexing ligand is an amino acid. Amino acid complexes are less stable than either a metal proteinate or a metal amino acid chelate. Mineral absorption, if it occurs at all, is limited to the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenum) because absorption is pH sensitive. The American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recognizes and defines two types of complexes: 1) A metal complexed to one or more undefined amino acids; and 2) A metal complexed to a defined amino acid (for example lysine, methionine, etc.) Both forms of amino acid complexes have the same bonding characteristics. Any amino acid or combination of amino acids can be used to manufacture a metal complex, depending on the definition. The complexing of the metal is identical between the two AAFCO definitions. There is little or no protection to the metal during digestion of a metal complex and the structure is easily destroyed in the gastrointestinal tract. When the metal is released from the complex in the stomach it behaves as if it were an inorganic metal. The heterocyclic ring structures found in an amino acid chelate provide stability and protection after ingestion for optimal mineral absorption. Amino acid bonding to the metal is predictable and results in a chelate of consistent size, structure and composition. Amino acid chelates are the only chelated organic mineral molecules that can be proven by science. |
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