Mineral Supplements Flashcards
(11 cards)
What are organic acid salts in mineral supplements?
Organic compounds containing carbon; minerals bonded to organic acids with weak bonds, allowing better absorption.
Examples include citrate, fumarate, malate, ascorbate, gluconate, glycinate, picolinate, orotate.
Why are organic acid salts better absorbed than inorganic salts?
Because the bond between mineral and organic acid is weak, making it easier for the body to absorb both the mineral and the carrier molecule.
What are common inorganic mineral salts used in supplements?
Oxides, sulphates, chlorides, phosphates, nitrates, and carbonates.
What is a downside of inorganic mineral salts?
They tend to cause more gastrointestinal side effects.
What are amino acid chelates?
Minerals bound to amino acids, considered the best form for mineral absorption due to high bioavailability.
Why are citrates recommended as mineral carriers?
Citrates require less stomach acid for absorption and have better bioavailability;
e.g., calcium citrate is absorbed 2.5 times better than calcium carbonate.
Who particularly benefits from mineral citrates?
People with low stomach acid such as post-menopausal women, elderly, and highly stressed individuals.
What are picolinates and why are they used?
Minerals bound to picolinic acid, a natural chelator from tryptophan, with high absorption in the gut;
commonly used with zinc and chromium.
What caution is associated with orotate mineral carriers?
They can bypass normal regulatory controls and potentially cause overdose.
What are the absorption and tolerance properties of gluconates?
They have good absorption and do not affect glucose control.
What should be noted about sulphate mineral carriers?
They have poor absorption and may cause issues in people sensitive to sulfur.
