How is zinc bisglycinate made?

January 9, 2026 •

2 min read

According to manufacturers and scientific research, zinc bisglycinate is created through a chemical reaction known as chelation, which involves bonding a zinc ion with two molecules of the amino acid glycine. This process is crucial because it significantly improves the mineral's absorption and digestive tolerance compared to inorganic zinc forms. The end product is a stable, well-absorbed supplement widely used in the nutraceutical industry.

Quick Summary

Zinc bisglycinate is manufactured by chemically bonding zinc with two glycine molecules, often using raw materials like zinc oxide and glycine in an aqueous solution under controlled conditions. The resulting chelated compound is then filtered, dried, and refined for use in supplements.

Key Points

Chelation Process: The production hinges on chelation, a reaction where zinc ions are bonded to two glycine molecules, creating a stable, ring-like structure.
Primary Ingredients: Common starting materials include a zinc source (like zinc oxide or zinc sulfate), the amino acid glycine, and water as the solvent.
Multi-Step Manufacturing: The process involves several stages, including preparation, reaction under controlled temperature and stirring, crystallization, separation, and drying.
High Bioavailability: The chelated structure protects the zinc from dietary inhibitors and improves absorption by the body, making it a preferred supplement form.
Industrial Production: Industrial-scale manufacturing is optimized for efficiency and high purity, often involving specific molar ratios, pH control, and specialized equipment like fluidized bed dryers.
Product Form: The final product is a fine, white, and odorless crystalline powder that is then used to create dietary supplements in various formats.

The Core Principle of Chelation

Chelation is a chemical process that creates a ring-like structure by binding a metal ion to a molecule, known as a ligand. In the case of zinc bisglycinate, the ligands are two molecules of the amino acid glycine attached to a central zinc ion. This process forms a stable, neutral compound that is protected from potential inhibitors in the digestive system, such as phytic acid, thus improving absorption.

Key Ingredients

Zinc Source: Common sources include zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, or zinc carbonate. The chosen zinc source may necessitate pH adjustments using a base.
Amino Acid Source: Glycine acts as the chelating agent. Its purity is important, and synthetic forms are available for vegan products.
Solvent: Water is typically used as the solvent for the reaction.

The Step-by-Step Manufacturing Process

The production of zinc bisglycinate is a controlled multi-step procedure. While specific conditions may differ between manufacturers, the core steps are consistent.

Preparation and Chelation

Preparation of Solution: Glycine is dissolved in water in a reaction vessel.
Chelating Reaction: A zinc source is added to the glycine solution.
Heating and Stirring: The mixture is heated and stirred to facilitate the bonding of zinc ions with glycine. This step can also help release carbon dioxide if zinc oxide is used.
pH Control: pH is carefully regulated, especially when using zinc sulfate, to optimize the reaction and precipitation.

Purification and Finishing

Crystallization: Cooling the solution allows zinc bisglycinate to crystallize.
Separation: The crystals are separated from the liquid through methods like filtration or centrifugation.
Washing and Drying: The crystals are washed to remove impurities and then dried at a controlled temperature.
Milling and Sieving: The dried product is often milled into a powder and sieved for uniform particle size.

Comparison: Common Synthesis Methods


Feature	Glycine + Zinc Oxide	Glycine + Zinc Sulfate	Glycine + Metal Hydroxide	Glycine + Calcium Oxide + Zinc Sulfate
Zinc Source	Zinc Oxide	Zinc Sulfate	Zinc Hydroxide	Zinc Sulfate
Other Reactants	Water	Water, Base (e.g., NaOH)	Water	Water, Calcium Oxide
Yield	Can be high	Variable, dependent on pH	Efficient	Good yield, with calcium sulfate precipitate
Process Complexity	Relatively straightforward	Requires careful pH regulation	Less common but effective	Involves co-precipitation
Byproducts	Water, CO2 gas	Water, Salt (e.g., Sodium Sulfate)	Water, Salt	Water, Calcium Sulfate

Conclusion

Zinc bisglycinate synthesis involves transforming inorganic zinc into a bioavailable chelated form by bonding it with two glycine molecules. This creates a stable compound easily absorbed by the body. Using common materials and standard chemical procedures, the process results in a fine, white, crystalline powder for dietary supplements. Careful control during reaction and purification ensures a pure, effective, and safe product. This chelation method is a significant advancement in nutraceuticals, providing a superior way to supplement zinc without causing gastrointestinal discomfort.

For more detailed information on mineral chelation, you can explore resources from leading nutraceutical suppliers like Balchem.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose is to create a more stable and bioavailable form of zinc. By bonding zinc to glycine, the chelate protects the mineral from interactions with other compounds in the digestive tract that could inhibit its absorption.

Glycine can be sourced naturally or produced synthetically. Some manufacturers specifically produce synthetic, vegan-friendly glycine to avoid using animal-based raw materials, ensuring product suitability for vegetarians and vegans.

The most common materials are zinc oxide and the amino acid glycine. Other methods may utilize zinc sulfate, zinc chloride, or zinc carbonate along with an alkali for pH control.

The chelated form is neutral and does not create the same irritation in the stomach as some inorganic zinc compounds, such as zinc sulfate, which can cause digestive upset.

While the fundamental chemistry is straightforward, commercial production requires precise control of molar ratios, temperature, and pH. Manufacturers follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure high product quality, purity, and potency.

After chelation, crystallization, and drying, the resulting material is milled into a fine powder and sieved to achieve a uniform particle size, making it suitable for capsules, tablets, or other supplement formats.

The process involves chemical reactions and precise purification steps that are not suitable for a home environment. It is performed in specialized facilities under controlled conditions to produce a safe and high-quality product for human consumption.