GLYCINATES, STABLE AT ACID PH

Glycinates are organic molecules, formed by different microminerals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, etc.) linked to glycine by a covalent bond. The covalent bond gives glycinates one of their main characteristics, they do not dissociate in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT ). One of the critical points faced by glycinates is the low pH of the stomach.

In order to evaluate the effect of low pH on the dissociation of glycinates, we performed an in vitro test. Samples of GLYMET ZN 22%, GLYMET ZN 40%, GLYMET MN 20%, GLYMET MN 3 0%, GLYMET FE 19% and GLYMET CU 24% were prepared. In an Erlenmeyer, the samples were mixed with distilled water.   Chlorohydric acid was then added to this solution in order to lower the pH to 3. The solution was dried on a hot plate until all the water was removed. Infrared spectrometry (IR) was performed on the samples before mixing with the acid and after drying,   to evaluate that chelation (covalent bonding) was present in the glycinate molecule.

After evaluation of the IR curves, the presence of the covalent bond was confirmed in all samples. These results mean that the low pH did not affect the chemical structure of the glycinates and that the molecules did not dissociate at pH 3. When a salt does not dissociate, no interaction or binding with undesirable substances (e.g., phytates) can occur, and the chelate can be absorbed intact in the intestine.

The high stability of the glycinate molecule in the intestine, plus the way it is absorbed using the amino acid absorption mechanism, gives glycinates a very high bioavailability.