Albion Minerals
Also known as: Albion Minerals, Albion chelates, mineral bisglycinates, Ferrochel®, calcium bisglycinate, magnesium bisglycinate, ferrous bisglycinate, iron bisglycinate, Mineral Amino Acid Chelates
Overview
Albion Minerals refers to a patented line of mineral amino acid chelates, primarily bisglycinates, where minerals are bound to two glycine molecules. This chelation process is designed to significantly improve the absorption and bioavailability of essential minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, while simultaneously reducing common gastrointestinal side effects often associated with traditional inorganic mineral salts. Unlike naturally occurring compounds, Albion Minerals are synthetic supplements that mimic the organic forms of minerals found in food. They are widely used in human nutrition to address mineral deficiencies or to meet increased mineral needs, such as during pregnancy or in aging populations. The technology behind Albion Minerals focuses on creating stable, fully reacted chelates that are less prone to interactions with dietary inhibitors, ensuring more efficient uptake in the small intestine. Extensive research, including numerous human nutrition studies and clinical trials, supports the superior absorption and tolerability of these chelates, particularly iron bisglycinate (Ferrochel®), which has received approval from regulatory bodies like EFSA.
Benefits
Albion Minerals offer several evidence-based benefits, primarily centered on enhanced mineral absorption and reduced gastrointestinal side effects. Iron bisglycinate (Ferrochel®) is particularly well-supported by meta-analyses, demonstrating significantly greater absorption (up to 5-fold better than ferrous sulfate, especially in the presence of phytates) and a lower incidence of common side effects like nausea and constipation. This improved tolerability leads to better patient adherence, particularly crucial in populations like pregnant women undergoing iron deficiency anemia treatment. For calcium bisglycinate, laboratory studies indicate 1.5–2.0 times greater absorption compared to calcium citrate or carbonate. Magnesium bisglycinate also shows superior absorption, up to 3 times greater than magnesium oxide or citrate. While the clinical outcome data for calcium and magnesium are less robust than for iron, the improved bioavailability suggests better mineral status. These enhanced mineral levels can indirectly support muscle function, cognitive health, and immune function, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with malabsorption issues. The clinical significance is most pronounced with iron bisglycinate, where the superior absorption and reduced side effects translate into meaningful improvements in iron status.
How it works
Albion Minerals function by utilizing a chelation process where mineral ions are bound to amino acids, typically glycine, forming a stable, neutral molecule. This chelation shields the mineral ions from antagonistic dietary factors like phytates and oxalates, which commonly interfere with the absorption of inorganic mineral salts. The resulting mineral bisglycinate chelate has a lower molecular weight and a neutral charge, allowing it to pass through the digestive tract intact. Upon reaching the small intestine, these chelates are absorbed via amino acid transport pathways, which are more efficient and less prone to competition than the pathways for free mineral ions. This mechanism ensures enhanced intestinal uptake and improved systemic mineral availability, allowing the body to utilize the mineral more effectively for various physiological functions, such as hemoglobin synthesis for iron or bone metabolism for calcium.
Side effects
Albion Minerals are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and are associated with a favorable safety profile, often exhibiting better gastrointestinal tolerability compared to traditional inorganic mineral salts. Common side effects are minimal, with a significantly lower incidence of issues such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea, which are frequently reported with iron sulfates. Uncommon side effects (1-5% of users) may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort, though this is rare. Allergic reactions are extremely rare (<1%). In terms of drug interactions, Albion chelates are designed to reduce interference with other nutrients and medications due to their chelated form, but standard mineral-drug interaction considerations still apply. There are no specific contraindications unique to Albion Minerals beyond the general contraindications for the specific mineral being supplemented (e.g., caution in iron overload disorders for iron supplements). Their improved tolerability makes them particularly beneficial for sensitive populations such as pregnant women and the elderly, who often experience adverse effects from conventional mineral supplements.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for Albion Minerals varies depending on the specific mineral and the individual's needs, aligning with established Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) or therapeutic guidelines for each mineral. Due to their superior bioavailability, Albion chelates may allow for lower elemental doses compared to inorganic salts to achieve the same therapeutic effect. For iron bisglycinate (Ferrochel®), common effective doses in clinical trials range from 30-60 mg of elemental iron daily for treating iron deficiency anemia. The maximum safe dose should adhere to the mineral-specific upper limits, as the chelation process does not inherently increase the risk of toxicity, but monitoring is recommended. A significant advantage of Albion chelates is their reduced gastrointestinal irritation, allowing them to be taken with or without food, unlike some inorganic salts that require food to minimize side effects. Absorption of Albion chelates is less affected by dietary inhibitors like phytates, further enhancing their efficacy. No specific cofactors are strictly required for their absorption, though standard cofactors like vitamin C can further enhance iron absorption.
FAQs
Are Albion Minerals more effective than regular mineral salts?
Yes, multiple studies, particularly for iron bisglycinate, show significantly higher absorption and better gastrointestinal tolerability compared to conventional mineral salts, leading to improved efficacy and adherence.
Are they safe for pregnant women?
Yes, iron bisglycinate (Ferrochel®) is well-studied and considered safe for pregnant women, offering superior efficacy in improving iron status with fewer side effects than traditional iron supplements.
Can they be taken with food?
Yes, Albion chelates are less irritating to the stomach and can be taken with meals, which can be convenient for daily supplementation and may further reduce any potential mild discomfort.
How soon will benefits appear?
Improvements in mineral status, such as increased iron levels, typically become noticeable over a period of weeks to months, depending on the individual's baseline deficiency and consistent supplementation.
Do they interact with other supplements?
Albion chelates generally have minimal interactions due to their stable chelated form. However, it's always advisable to follow standard supplement timing guidelines and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39092552/ – This systematic review examined the role of mineral supplementation in frailty and sarcopenia in elderly populations. It found mixed results, suggesting that minerals are primarily beneficial when part of multi-nutrient interventions, with limited evidence for single mineral supplementation. The review highlighted heterogeneity and research gaps in this area.
- https://balchem.com/news/iron-bisglycinate-pregnancy-study/ – This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials focused on iron bisglycinate in pregnant women. It concluded that ferrous bisglycinate offers superior absorption and efficacy, along with fewer gastrointestinal side effects, compared to traditional iron salts, making it a preferred option for iron supplementation during pregnancy.
- https://nutraceuticalbusinessreview.com/ingredient-tips-for-plant-based-diets-are-chelates – This review discusses the bioavailability of mineral chelates, citing various clinical trials. It indicates that Albion bisglycinates demonstrate a 1.5 to 5 times absorption advantage over inorganic mineral salts and show reduced interactions with antinutrients, supporting their use for enhanced mineral delivery.
- https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/nutritional-minerals-tried-true/ – This article provides a general overview of nutritional minerals, touching upon the importance of bioavailability and the role of chelated minerals like those from Albion in improving absorption. It emphasizes the established efficacy and safety of these forms in the supplement industry.
- https://www.vaneeghen.com/doc/Albion7Reasons6pageEU102618printrev1_1304770648.pdf – This document outlines key reasons for the effectiveness of Albion Minerals, highlighting their patented chelation technology. It emphasizes the stability, high bioavailability, and reduced gastrointestinal side effects of their mineral bisglycinates, positioning them as superior forms for mineral supplementation.
