Zinc (Bisglycinate Chelate)

What is Zinc Bisglycinate Chelate?

Zinc is an essential trace mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions across virtually every physiological system in the body (1). In the chelated form, zinc bisglycinate chelate, one zinc ion is bound to two glycine molecules. This structure increases solubility, protects zinc during gastrointestinal transit, and boosts absorption compared to typical inorganic forms like zinc gluconate or zinc oxide (2,10). 

This is a bit technical, but all it means is that the bisglycinate form of zinc is more likely to survive longer in your system so that you absorb the most amount of it possible. 

Why Do Outdoor Adventurers Need Zinc?

When you’re hiking or adventuring, your body is under higher physical stress. Zinc supplementation is crucial for:

• Immune function (1,5,9)
• Skin, tissue, and wound repair (2,3,5,9)
• Cognitive performance and energy metabolism (3)
• Improved sleep (3)
• Antioxidant protection against oxidative stress (2)
• Reducing the duration and severity of diarrhoeal episodes (1) (Frankly it’s worth it for this benefit alone!)

Physical exertion, sweating, micro‑injuries, and high energy turnover all increase zinc demand and can accelerate depletion (3). Our bodies store minimal amounts of zinc so we need to ensure we are consuming it daily (1,2). Deficiency can lead to delayed recovery, impaired immunity, and slower wound healing, things none of us wants on the trail.

Dietary Sources of Zinc?

Trace amounts of zinc are widely available in food, but animal-based foods offer the most bioavailable zinc:

• Oysters
• Beef, pork, and poultry
• Dairy and eggs

While good plant-based sources of zinc exist, like legumes, nuts, and whole grains, they contain phytates that inhibit zinc absorption (1). This makes it harder for vegetarians or people on high‑fibre diets to meet daily requirements from food alone (9).

What’s the Best Form of Zinc For Hikers?

Zinc bisglycinate chelate is prized for superior bioavailability and gastrointestinal tolerability (3,8). Multiple studies, including a randomised crossover study in 12 healthy volunteers showed that 15mg of zinc in bisglycinate form produced 43.4% higher serum zinc absorption than 15mg as zinc gluconate, with peak levels appearing within 2 hours of intake (2,6,8,10,15). 

Other supplemental forms of zinc, like oxide, gluconate, or sulfate, tend to absorb less efficiently and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort (8,15) - no thanks! 

Key Information About Zinc

Deficiency Stats

Globally, it’s estimated that 17–25% of people are at risk of zinc deficiency (1,2,4,12).

• US: around 8% of the adult population show low zinc status (15)
• Australia: Around one in three men and one in ten women fail to meet RDI, especially older adults and those with plant-heavy diets (7,9)

Deficiency is associated with impaired immune function, more sniffles and coughs, slower wound healing, and decreased physical performance (1,3,11,14).

Both the US and Australia set Adult UL at 40 mg/day due to the risk of copper imbalance and gastrointestinal irritation at supplemental doses above this (7,13,15).

Why Optiventure Has 15mg of Zinc Bisglycinate Chelate

• Provides 136% of US RDA for men and 188% for women, and meets or exceeds Australian RDI (5,7,13).
• Maximises absorption without exceeding the 40 mg/day UL (13,15).
• Optimal dose efficiency: Absorption efficiency peaks at around 15 mg/day. Higher single doses are less efficiently used and risk copper imbalance and stomach upset (2,6,15).
• Performance‑oriented: Supports immunity, tissue repair, and resilience on the trail where dietary intake may be reduced (9).

Bisglycinate’s improved absorption ensures active individuals, even those with marginal dietary intake or high metabolism, get more usable zinc per capsule, helping maintain immunity, skin and tissue repair, and resilience on the trail.

References

1. Gupta, S., Brazier, A. K. M., & Lowe, N. M. (2020). Zinc deficiency in low‑ and middle‑income countries: Prevalence and approaches for mitigation. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 33(5), 624–643. https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12770
   

2. Devarshi, P. P., Mao, Q., Grant, R. W., & Mitmesser, S. H. (2024). Comparative absorption and bioavailability of various chemical forms of zinc in humans: A narrative review. Nutrients, 16(24), 4269. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16244269

3. WBCIL. (2024, October 28). Unlocking the benefits of zinc bisglycinate: Superior bioavailability for immune and skin health. CPHI Online. https://www.cphi-online.com/news/unlocking-the-benefits-of-zinc-bisglycinate-superior-bioavailability-for-immune-and/
   

4. Kumssa, D. B., Joy, E. J., Ander, E. L., Watts, M. J., Young, S. D., Walker, S., & Broadley, M. R. (2015). Dietary calcium and zinc deficiency risks are decreasing but remain prevalent. Scientific Reports, 5, 10974. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep10974
   

5. Office of Dietary Supplements. (n.d.). Zinc: Fact sheet for health professionals. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved July 31, 2025, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional
   

6. Protocol for Life Balance. (2020). Zinc glycinate pharmacokinetics: Absorption study. https://www.protocolforlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/P1554-Zinc-Glycinate.pdf
   

7. Eat For Health. (n.d.). Zinc – Nutrient reference values for Australia and New Zealand. National Health and Medical Research Council. Retrieved July 31, 2025, from https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/nutrient-reference-values/nutrients/zinc
   

8. Hongda Naturals. (2025). How does zinc bisglycinate enhance absorption? Retrieved July 31, 2025, from https://www.hongdanaturals.com/info/how-does-zinc-bisglycinate-enhance-the-absorpt-102878708.html
   

9. Blackmores. (2021, May 12). What are the benefits of zinc for your body functions? Blackmores Australia. https://www.blackmores.com.au/everyday-health/are-you-getting-enough-zinc
   

10. Head, K. (2020, June 26). The benefits of zinc bisglycinate: A well‑absorbed super mineral. Thorne. https://www.thorne.com/take-5-daily/article/the-benefits-of-zinc-bisglycinate-a-well-absorbed-super-mineral

11. Healthylife. (2021). Are you getting enough zinc? Healthylife Australia. https://www.healthylife.com.au/learn/are-you-getting-enough-zinc
    

12. IFPRI. (2024). Addressing the global, life‑long health impacts of zinc deficiency: A call to action. International Food Policy Research Institute. https://www.ifpri.org/blog/addressing-global-life-long-health-impacts-zinc-deficiency
    

13. Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. (2001). Dietary reference intakes for vitamin A, vitamin K, arsenic, boron, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, silicon, vanadium, and zinc. National Academy Press.
    

14. Ethical Nutrients. (n.d.). Zinc: Why it matters. Ethical Nutrients New Zealand. https://www.ethicalnutrients.co.nz/ingredients-2/zinc

15. MDPI. (2024). Comparative absorption and optimal intake ranges for zinc bisglycinate. Nutrients, 16(24), 4269. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/24/4269