Chelated
A mineral bound to an amino acid carrier, usually for better absorption.
A chelated mineral is bonded to an organic molecule (typically the amino acid glycine) instead of being a simple inorganic salt. Examples: magnesium glycinate, iron bisglycinate, zinc picolinate.
Chelated forms generally:
- Absorb better (the gut wall has dedicated transporters for amino-acid-bound minerals)
- Cause fewer GI side effects (no laxative-grade osmotic load like with magnesium oxide)
- Cost more per gram of compound — but per absorbed dose, often cheaper
When two products are within 50% on per-mg price, the chelated form is almost always the better deal.