Understanding Zinc Bisglycinate

What Is It?

Understanding Zinc Bisglycinate

Zinc bisglycinate is a chelated form of zinc that has gained substantial attention for its superior bioavailability, tolerability, and efficacy, particularly, when compared to other zinc formulations.

More specifically, zinc bisglycinate is a chelated compound where zinc is bound to two molecules of the amino acid glycine. This chelation enhances zinc’s stability and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, compared to inorganic forms, such as zinc oxide, or organic salts, such as zinc gluconate. Chelation protects zinc from binding with dietary inhibitors like phytates, which can reduce its overall bioavailability.

How It Works?

How Zinc Bisglycinate Works?

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, playing critical roles in:

Immune Function: Zinc supports white blood cell production and activity, including T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells.
Wound Healing: Zinc is vital for tissue repair and skin health.
Cognitive Function: Adequate zinc levels are necessary for neurotransmitter regulation.
Reproductive Health: Zinc contributes to sperm production and hormonal balance in men.
Vision: Zinc supports retinal health and prevents macular degeneration.

Benefits

OVERALL TAKEAWAY

Zinc bisglycinate represents a significant advancement in mineral supplementation, due to its superior bioavailability, digestive tolerance, and safety profile. It offers numerous health benefits, ranging from enhanced immune function to improved skin health, while minimizing the common side effects associated with other forms of zinc. For individuals looking to optimize their health through effective supplementation, and especially for individuals with specific needs (e.g., as a consequence of digestive sensitivity and/or poor nutrient absorption), zinc bisglycinate stands out as a very efficacious and reliable choice, solidly backed by robust scientific evidence.

Every Day Impact of Zinc Bisglycinate Supplementation and Science-Backed Results You Can Trust

Bioavailability of Zinc Bisglycinate

One of the central and most important advantages of zinc bisglycinate is its superior bioavailability.
Studies have shown that zinc bisglycinate increases serum zinc levels more effectively than other forms, such as zinc gluconate or zinc oxide.
A randomized crossover study found that zinc bisglycinate improved oral bioavailability by 43.4%, compared to zinc gluconate (Gandia et al., 2007). In addition, scientific evidence ranks the bioavailability of various forms of zinc as follows: zinc bisglycinate > zinc picolinate > zinc gluconate > zinc oxide.
Chelation enhances solubility and dissolution rates, allowing for better absorption in the gastrointestinal tract; this makes zinc bisglycinate an ideal choice for individuals with digestive sensitivities or conditions that impair nutrient absorption.

Enhanced Immune Support

Zinc bisglycinate boosts immune function by supporting the production of white blood cells and reducing inflammation.
Further, its superior absorption enhances these effects compared to other forms of zinc.

Cognitive and Neurological Health

Adequate zinc levels are essential for brain function, particularly in regulating neurotransmitters like dopamine.
Additionally, zinc bisglycinate’s high bioavailability ensures optimal delivery to brain tissues.

Skin Health and Wound Healing

Zinc plays a pivotal role in collagen synthesis and tissue repair.
Supplementation with zinc bisglycinate has been associated with faster wound healing and improvements in skin conditions (e.g., acne).

Digestive Tolerance

Unlike other forms of zinc that may cause nausea or an upset stomach, zinc bisglycinate is gentler on the digestive system due to its chelated structure.

Prevention of Zinc-Induced Copper Deficiency

High doses of non-chelated zinc can interfere with copper absorption, leading to deficiencies.
Research studies indicate that zinc bisglycinate does not significantly disrupt copper levels, making it a safer option for long-term supplementation (DiSilvestro et al., 2015).

Applications in Sports/Active Nutrition, Health, and Wellness Supplements

Zinc bisglycinate’s proven and powerful efficacy stems primarily from its high bioavailability and solubility, excellent digestive tolerability, and minimal copper interaction; as a result, this compound is increasingly being utilized in dietary supplements targeting: immune support; cognitive enhancement; skin health; and reproductive health.

Supplementation Dosage Recommendations, Safety, and Possible Side Effects

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for zinc varies by age, sex, and life stage: adult men, 11 milligrams per day; adult women: 8 milligrams per day; pregnant women: 11 milligrams per day; lactating women: 12 milligrams per day.
For therapeutic purposes, doses of zinc may range from 15 to 30 milligrams per day; the tolerable upper intake level is considered to be 40 milligrams per day.
Overall and in general, zinc bisglycinate is well-tolerated when taken within recommended dosages.

Be KRE18 Elite, No Limits!

KRE18 Elite Team & Community—dedicated athletes, bodybuilders, fitness models, and enthusiasts—demand the highest-quality supplements to consistently maximize and optimize results long-term. Our KRE18 Muscle Fuel & Recovery ready-to-drink product is meticulously formulated with a safe, highly effective 11 mg dose of Zinc Bisglycinate, making it a science-backed, game-changing addition—or superior alternative—to your current post-workout and muscle support routine.

Moreover, Zinc Bisglycinate, combined with other carefully selected active ingredients, delivers comprehensive support for muscle recovery and growth, helping you reach and sustain peak performance.

Written By

Dr. Matt Gaston Villanueva, Ph.D.

Chief Scientific Officer, KRE18 Performance