This product contains zinc in the form of zinc bisglycinate. In this case, each zinc particle is strongly bound (chelated) to two (bis) molecules of the amino acid glycine. The general term for such a compound is amino acid chelate or amino acid chelated mineral. The word 'chelate' comes from the Greek and means 'claw'.

This form of bonding was chosen because its biological availability is particularly good. Vitals only uses real amino acid chelates from Albion Minerals, recognizable by the trademark TRAACS®, which stands for The Real Amino Acid Chelate System. This brand was created to be able to clearly distinguish itself from other, possibly inferior, unstable amino acid chelates. Albion has registered more than 100 patents worldwide that guarantee the process, science and structure of their amino acid chelated minerals. In addition, research is done with their minerals and quality control is carried out on every batch that is produced. It is essential to check that chelation has actually taken place and that the bonds are strong enough.

Benefits of Amino Acid Chelated Minerals
The chelate structure in an amino acid chelate is strong enough not to be split by gastric juice or digestive enzymes (as is usually the case with other mineral compounds), but also weak enough so that the mineral element can be freed once it has been absorbed by the cells in the intestine. The amino acids fold around the mineral element and protect it during the digestive process and do not let go. The electrical charge of the chelate is also neutral, so that it does not stick to pieces of food in the stomach and intestines. The amino acid chelate therefore reaches the small intestine in its entirety, where it is absorbed as a dipeptide (a compound with two amino acids). This is very advantageous because the body can absorb amino acids (and in particular dipeptides) extremely easily. Especially if they consist of the amino acid with the smallest size, namely glycine. As a result, amino acid chelated minerals are much better absorbed than other mineral forms. In the epithelial tissue of the jejunum (middle part of the small intestine) the amino acid chelated mineral is brought into the mucous cells by means of active transport without competing with other minerals. Only in the mucous cells do metabolic processes ensure that the glycine and the mineral are split and become available for the various organs and systems in the body.

How zinc works in the body
Zinc is widely used by therapists because of its very broad and versatile effect. Zinc is found in all body tissues and is concentrated in particular in the cell nucleus. The mineral is essential for the activity of more than 300 enzymes, so-called metallo-enzymes, which have a zinc ion as a co-factor. In addition, it is an important structural component of proteins and cell membranes. In these ways, zinc plays a role in many processes in the body, including the cell division process and hormone balance. Zinc is also involved in the normal build-up and breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, proteins and DNA. Zinc has a positive effect on the immune system by supporting the production of T-cells, helping to produce cytokines and contributing to the functioning of natural killer cells. Zinc also helps to protect cells against oxidative damage, partly because it plays a role in the functioning of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD). In addition, it contributes to a healthy acid-base balance. Zinc is a cofactor for the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, which catalyzes the conversion of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate (and vice versa). Bicarbonate is one of the most important buffers that help to keep the acidity of the blood and other extracellular fluids as constant as possible.

Without copper
Zinc and copper are antagonists. A high intake of zinc (50 mg or more per day) for a longer period of time (longer than a month) can lead to a low copper status, which is undesirable. However, a copper status that is too high is also undesirable, especially for the elderly. Vitals therefore consciously chooses not to combine zinc and copper in this product, assuming that there is a good chance that someone also takes a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement and in this way already takes in some extra copper. For doses from 45 mg per day (3 capsules) it is recommended to supplement extra copper, preferably at a different time of the day to prevent competition in absorption.

Permitted health claims:

• contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative damage
• supports the immune system
• good for the condition of hair, skin and nails
• supports the condition of the eye
• plays a role in bone formation
• contributes to supporting a healthy acid-base balance
• contributes to the maintenance of normal cognitive function
• is involved in the cell division process
• contributes to normal hormonal balance
• contributes to normal fertility and reproduction
• plays a role in the normal formation and breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, proteins and DNA

Anti-caking agent (rice fibre), zinc bisglycinate, vegetable capsule (pullulan, from fermented cassava starch).