Ingredient Research

Albion® / TRAACS® Chelated Minerals

Clinical Research, Mechanism & Applications

ChelationBisglycinateAbsorptionTolerability

At a Glance

Ingredient Form

Glycine amino-acid chelates (bisglycinates)

Primary Research Areas

Absorption • Tolerability • Bioavailability

Research Level

Human + Mechanistic Evidence

Distinctive Characteristic

Mineral bound to two glycine molecules (bis-glycinate)

What Is Chelated Minerals?

Albion / TRAACS chelated minerals bind a mineral (magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, calcium) to two glycine molecules, forming a bisglycinate chelate. The chelation shields the mineral from interactions with dietary compounds (phytates, oxalates) that can reduce absorption of conventional mineral salts like oxide or sulfate, and reduces the tendency to irritate the gastric lining. Mineral chelates are used when the goal is improved absorption and tolerability — for example iron bisglycinate to reduce GI discomfort, or magnesium bisglycinate for relaxed neurological tone. Albion/TRAACS specifically refers to a patented chelation process with deep documentation; bisglycinate chelates generally share the underlying rationale. Wellnex separates research on the branded chelate from research on bisglycinate chelates generally.

Chelated Minerals vs Mineral Salts

Mineral salts (oxide, sulfate, carbonate) dissociate in the stomach, leaving the mineral ion to compete with food components and irritate the gut. Amino-acid chelates keep the mineral in a protected, electrically neutral ring that resists interference and is absorbed intact through the dipeptide uptake pathway. Research consistently shows improved tolerability — particularly for iron bisglycinate versus ferrous sulfate — and frequently improved absorption or bioavailability. These benefits are most meaningful for minerals prone to GI upset (iron) or food interactions (calcium, zinc).

Research Highlights

Human + Mechanistic

Absorption

Bisglycinate chelates are studied for improved absorption relative to mineral salts.

Human Research

Tolerability

Iron bisglycinate is noted for reduced gastrointestinal side effects vs ferrous sulfate.

Human Research

Bioavailability

Magnesium and zinc bisglycinates are studied for bioavailability in various populations.

Evidence Distinction

Research labeled “Branded Ingredient Study” used the named branded material. Research labeled “Ingredient-Level Research” studied the nutrient or ingredient class generally and is informative without implying the same exact material was used. We do not imply a study used a branded ingredient unless the publication identifies it.

PubMed Research

BioavailabilityIngredient-Level ResearchEmerging

Bioavailability of magnesium diglycinate vs magnesium oxide in patients with ileal resection

Magnesium diglycinate (bisglycinate) was better tolerated than MgO and, in patients with impaired absorption, delivered substantially greater magnesium uptake.

Population:Patients with ileal resection

Participants:12

Duration:Acute absorption

Dose:100 mg ²⁶Mg-labeled magnesium diglycinate vs magnesium oxide

Primary Area:Magnesium absorption & tolerability

Key Finding

Magnesium diglycinate was better tolerated and, in patients with the poorest MgO absorption, absorption was substantially greater from the chelate; data support intact dipeptide-pathway absorption.

View on PubMed

Systematic ReviewIngredient-Level ResearchEmerging

Bioavailability of magnesium food supplements: A systematic review

Nutrition, 2021

A systematic review found organic magnesium forms (e.g., amino-acid chelates/glycinates) were more bioavailable than inorganic salts.

Population:Adults (magnesium form-comparison studies)

Participants:14 studies

Duration:Varied

Dose:Varied magnesium forms

Primary Area:Magnesium bioavailability by form

Key Finding

Organic magnesium formulations (including amino-acid chelates/glycinates) appeared more bioavailable than inorganic forms; absorption is dose-dependent.

View on PubMed

Frequently Asked Questions

What does TRAACS mean?

TRAACS is Albion’s trademarked designation for a fully reacted, amino-acid-chelated mineral ingredient with documented stability.

What is chelated magnesium?

Magnesium bound to amino acids (typically glycine) to form a stable, absorbable bisglycinate chelate.

Are chelated minerals better absorbed?

Research frequently supports improved absorption and tolerability over mineral salts, though the magnitude varies by mineral and individual.

What is magnesium bisglycinate?

Magnesium bound to two glycine molecules; glycinate and bisglycinate refer to the same chelate.

Related Research

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Interested in formulating with clinically researched chelation?

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FDA Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The ingredients and research summarized on this page are provided for educational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Research findings reflect the published studies cited and do not represent claims about any Wellnex Solutions product. Individual results vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any supplement regimen.