I noticed in the Supplement Facts panel the word “chelate” after each mineral. What does chelate mean?
In general, our bodies absorb vitamins without much difficulty, but minerals are not absorbed so well. Chelation is a process that combines a mineral with an amino acid. This process of chelation enhances the absorption of the minerals by “fooling” the body into thinking it is absorbing the amino acid attached to the mineral. The mineral is pulled into the body along with the amino acid, ensuring its absorption. Chelated minerals are more expensive because of the extra step required to attached the amino acid to the mineral. However, this expense is worth it due to the improved absorption.
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- I noticed in the Supplement Facts panel the word "chelate" after each mineral. What does chelate mean?