Minerals and the Bisglycinate Difference

You may have heard about “Bisglycinate” when searching for magnesium. But did you know that more and more minerals are switching from traditional delivery forms to bisglycinate?

Why is that?

Most mineral supplements use various forms of minerals, and most often, each substance is bound to another substance to help the body recognize, accept and absorb the mineral. For example, magnesium needs to be bound to a substance (organic or amino acid) to be absorbed. Citrate (citric acid) is an example of an organic acid, whereas glycinate is an example of an amino acid. 

Glycinate forms of minerals are the same as bisglycinate; the only difference is the use of the proper chemical name  (bisglycinate ) compared to glycinate. They both have two glycine (amino acid)  molecules attached.

As with all science, information evolves, and testing and studies always occur behind the scenes. The bisglycinate form of magnesium, zinc and many more minerals are considered superior because of the increased solubility. The improved absorption and solubility are because glycine (an amino acid) decreases the pH of the intestines offering better absorption rates in the GI tract. . Using two molecules of glycine “bisglycinate” ups the ante and the performance of the mineral even further.

Zinc Bisglycinate Supplements are Superior.

Zinc Bisglycinate forms are superior because zinc bisglycinate also has the ability to cross the gut wall intact, reducing gastric discomfort and nausea. Better absorption means better efficiency in your bloodstream, and the less that ends up in your stool and the greater opportunity for the mineral to perform its job in the body.

Zinc is an essential trace mineral. Essential means that the body cannot make zinc on its own, so it must be acquired from the foods consumed. Zinc consumption via foods can be acquired in meats, seafood, dairy, nuts, seeds, beans and whole grains. All of which can provide the minimum daily requirements if consumed in high enough amounts. With the wide range of foods that contain zinc, achieving the minimum daily requirements may not seem problematic. However, a zinc dietary gap is becoming a problem because of the many dietary restrictions.

Zinc is mainly recognized for its immune support, but it is also a co-factor in over 200 enzymatic reactions such as white blood cell production, testosterone production, skin health and healing, protection of the macula in the eyes, and even taste and smell.

Natural Factors Zinc Bisglycinate is a gentle form that does not upset the stomach. This one-per-day formula contains 50 mg of elemental zinc in the highly absorbable bisglycinate form that does not rely on stomach acidity to be absorbed.

• Supports immune function
• Provides a foundation for good overall health
• Helps in connective tissue formation
• Helps maintain healthy hair, skin, nails, and bones
• Helps in energy metabolism

Magnesium Bisglycinate Supplements are Superior

When bisglycinate is attached to magnesium, it takes up space on the mineral molecule, which decreases the propensity of the magnesium to complex with plant-based phytates that would otherwise interfere with its absorption. Because glycine takes up active sites on the molecule, less water attaches to the molecule, which reduces the laxative effect typically seen with magnesium compounds.

Why you need magnesium Magnesium is involved in more than 300 essential metabolic reactions in the body. Amongst its many roles, magnesium is critical for energy production, muscle and nerve function (it promotes muscle relaxation), blood glucose control (helps the body produce and use insulin), and blood pressure regulation. Magnesium acts as an electrical conductor that contracts muscles and steadies the heartbeat. Without magnesium, organs such as the heart and muscles would shut down. In addition, magnesium plays a role in regulating levels of sodium, potassium, and calcium in between cells, with effects on muscles, blood vessels, and cell membranes. Too little magnesium can affect glucose metabolism and is associated with elevated serum concentrations of inflammatory markers such as alpha and C-reactive protein. Quite an amazing mineral that is a desired natural health supplement.

Natural Factors Magnesium Bisglycinate has higher absorption due to its increased solubility and bioavailability. Other magnesium forms are often associated with a laxative effect due to their poor availability, but Natural Factors Magnesium Bisglycinate is easy on the stomach, much gentler, and does not cause diarrhea. Natural Factors Magnesium Bisglycinate is available in vegetarian capsules, powder, chewable and unique combination formulas specific to your needs 

• Helps maintain proper muscle function, including the heart muscle
• Helps maintain the body’s ability to metabolize nutrients
• Supports tissue formation and the development and maintenance of bones and teeth
• A factor in the maintenance of good health
• Bisglycinate form is easy on the stomach and does not cause diarrhea

Stress-Relax® Nighttime Magnesium Bisglycinate combines magnesium bisglycinate with melatonin, L-theanine, and Pharma GABA®, temporarily promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality. Together, these ingredients help reset the body’s sleep-wake cycle, allowing you to fall asleep more quickly and sleep longer. The delicious, tropical fruit-flavoured powder is naturally sweetened with stevia and offers a flexible dose – 1–2 scoops based on your personalized nighttime needs.

• Promotes relaxation and calm, restful sleep
• Helps increase total sleep time for people experiencing sleep restriction
• Improves sleep quality by easing the effects of nervousness
• Helps reset the body’s sleep-wake cycle
• Features clinically tested, fast-acting Pharma GABA
• Contains 100% magnesium bisglycinate – gentle on the stomach with improved absorption

Non-habit forming and suitable for vegetarians and vegans

Natural Factors Magnesium Bisglycinate plus L-Theanine combines the essential mineral magnesium with the amino acid L-theanine to temporarily promote relaxation without causing drowsiness. This non-GMO formula features magnesium bisglycinate, which is easy on the stomach and does not rely on stomach acid for absorption. Taken as 1–2 vegetarian capsules per day, this formula quickly reduces feelings of occasional stress and provides a source of magnesium to maintain proper muscle function.

• Helps reduce feelings of occasional stress and nervousness
• Promotes relaxation and mental clarity
• Supports proper muscle function, including the heart muscle
• Helps maintain the body’s ability to metabolize nutrients
• Improves relaxation to help you drift off to a good night’s sleep