Below are some frequently asked questions:
Below are some frequently asked questions:
Each of the following systems in the body utilize minerals. Research shows that imbalances or deficiencies in mineral nutrition can affect these systems:
"Chelated minerals" is a scientific term referring to a very specific molecular reaction that takes place between a molecule and a nutritional mineral. Chelation is a natural process that happens in the gut to facilitate transportation of nutritional minerals across the intestinal wall as a part of digestion. As our body is not very efficient at producing chelated minerals, we look to these mineral forms in nutritional supplements to assure greater efficiencies of absorption.
At Albion, we create these chelated minerals in our laboratories under very carefully controlled conditions. Albion’s most commonly used molecule to create organic chelated nutritional minerals is glycine. Glycine is an amino acid that the body readily identifies and which is efficiently absorbed across the intestinal wall. Albion’s glycine amino acid chelates are actually small enough to be transported right into the cell itself.
For more explanation see Why Chelated Minerals are Not Created Equal.
Because the body is very efficient at absorbing individual amino acids, it allows a mineral chelated to an amino acid to be carried along with its amino acid ligand into the intestinal cell during absorption. Clinical studies have shown that the intestinal absorption pathway of an amino acid chelate is different than the absorption of minerals from inorganic metal salts. As the amino acid chelate approaches the intestinal wall, it remains the same molecule that was ingested. The chelate does not require digestion prior to absorption due to its size. The glycine amino acid chelate, for example, is stable and does not become disassociated in the stomach.
Along the intestinal wall are finger-like projections called villi. The villi increase the surface area for the amino acid chelate to be absorbed. On each villus are microvilli. It is through the membranes of the cell walls of the microvilli that the amino acid chelate is absorbed. Once inside the cells, the components of the chelate are used by the body as any mineral and amino acid would be after absorption. Chelating with ligands like glycine to form a glycine amino acid chelate makes more of the ingested minerals available for metabolic purposes (growth, reproduction, immunity, etc.) compared to other inorganic and organic mineral forms (metal proteinates or amino acid complexes).
Numerous clinical studies have proven that Albion's metal amino acid chelates are better absorbed than inorganic minerals, metal proteinates, or amino acid complexes. In fact the absorption pathway of a metal proteinate is unknown. Amino acid complexes are hydrolyzed in the stomach and intestine, and the minerals are absorbed similarly to inorganic metal salts.
Through years of extensive research, clinical analysis, third party critiques and careful laboratory manufacturing, only Albion can produce this highly effective and bioavailable mineral form. Albion’s patented process assures the customer they are getting a unique product in the market place that closely duplicates the natural chelation process that occurs in the body.
Albion’s science turns inorganic minerals into very small individual organic mineral molecules which are neutral and therefore highly bioavailable and effective.
Size:
Picture in your mind the fuel filter on your car engine. The filter allows fuel to pass through but holds back large particles from entering the engine. The same idea applies to the absorption of minerals from the intestine to the blood stream. Large particles cannot easily pass through the intestinal wall. Many mineral products on the market have molecular weights that are too large to be absorbed intact. Through patented technology, Albion produces chelated minerals with molecular weights small enough to easily pass through the intestinal wall. The Albion chelate is similar to that which the body itself produces by natural chelation.
Neutrality:
The process of chelation results in the final mineral compound becoming neutral, i.e., containing no electrical charge. This is important because electrically charged mineral compounds can interact with other dietary components, such as phytates and other oppositely charged molecules, and from substances that are not absorbable. In addition, charged mineral compounds are reactive and can deactivate other important nutrient factors, such as vitamin E, ascorbic acid, various B-vitamins, and certain medications.
Only Albion has been able to demonstrate that its patented technology produces totally reacted, nutritionally functional mineral amino acid chelates. And only Albion has incorporated many scientific procedures showing the validity of their chelation technology. Numerous clinical studies have been performed over the years by leading universities and independent researchers, demonstrating the superior bioavailability of Albion's chelates. Only Albion has been able to demonstrate the superior bioavailability of the unique chelates formed through Albion's patented processes.
Testing procedures utilizing some of the following determinative methods are part of the proof.