You’ve seen it on a tin or magnesium box at the pharmacy.
You may even have chosen this product because it was labeled “bisglycinate,” thinking that it’s the best form available. That’s often true. But not always. We’ll explain everything.
"The Form of the Mineral": What exactly is it?
When you take a dietary supplement—for example, one containing iron or magnesium—your body doesn’t receive the mineral in its natural form. It receives it in a specific chemical form. And this form will determine how much of that mineral your body will actually be able to use.
This is what is known as bioavailability : the portion of the mineral you ingest that actually reaches where your body needs it.
Let’s take a simple example. Imagine you’re sending a fragile package in the mail. Depending on the packaging you use, the package arrives intact… or in pieces. It’s the same with minerals. Depending on their “form of packaging,” they are either fully absorbed by the body, or partially broken down or lost along the way.
In practical terms, minerals exist in various forms:
- Some basic, inexpensive forms such as oxide, carbonate, or sulfate. They are widely used in entry-level supplements, but are often less easily absorbed and can sometimes cause digestive discomfort.
- Organic organic forms such as citrate or malate, which are generally better absorbed.
And chelated forms, including bisglycinate, which are considered among the most promising forms available today.
What exactly is chelation?
The word "chelation" comes from the Greek chêlê and literally means “crab claw”. In a chelated mineral, the mineral is surrounded and protected by molecules that hold it firmly, like a claw. This “protection” allows it to pass through the digestive system without being trapped or broken down along the way.
Stomach acid, fiber, certain components of coffee or tea, calcium from other foods… All of these can bind to a “free” mineral and prevent it from being absorbed properly.
A chelated mineral is more stable and passes through these barriers more easily. It reaches its destination in better condition. And it is generally better tolerated, as it is less irritating to the digestive tract lining.
And what about bisglycinate?
Bisglycinate is a specific chelated form in which the mineral is bound to two glycine molecules, an amino acid naturally present in the human body.
Bisglycinate is a specific chelated form in which the mineral is bound to two glycine molecules, an amino acid naturally present in the human body.
[Dawson diagram]
This unique design makes the complex both stable and easily recognized by the body, which recognizes it as something resembling an amino acid and absorbs it more easily.
For these reasons, bisglycinate is now considered one of the gold standards in micronutrition for minerals, particularly magnesium, zinc, and iron.
Note: "Bisglycinate" does not always mean "100% chelated"
That's where things get complicated…
Just because "bisglycinate" is listed on a label doesn't necessarily mean the product contains only chelated bisglycinate.
Some brands use what are known as “buffered” : in reality, they mix a small amount of bisglycinate with other, far less effective mineral forms that are far less effective (such as oxide or carbonate) to reduce manufacturing costs.
The result? A product labeled “bisglycinate” on the box… but one that doesn’t provide the benefits of true, fully chelated bisglycinate.
It's not illegal. But it's not very transparent either.
How can you tell?
Here are a few warning signs to watch out for:
- 💶 An unusually low price for a "bisglycinate" product
- 📋 The presence of oxide or carbonate in the list of ingredients, next to bisglycinate
- 🌫️ Vague terms like “bisglycinate complex” without specifying the actual amount of chelated material
- ❓ No information on the quality of the raw material
The PharmaSmile Choice: Truly Chelated Bisglycinates
At PharmaSmile, we have committed to transparency and high standards from the very beginning of our formula development process.
Our products contain only fully chelated bisglycinates—no buffered forms, and no blending with inferior forms to cut costs.
Nevertheless, thanks to our direct-to-consumer model and the elimination of unnecessary costs, our products remain affordable to as many people as possible.
This option is now available in two of our premium plans :
💊 PharmaSmile Iron Bisglycinate
Iron in the form of chelated bisglycinate, combined with vitamin C to promote its absorption, and vitamins B6, B9, and B12 to support normal blood formation and help reduce fatigue.
💊 PharmaSmile Magnesium Bisglycinate
Magnesium in the form of chelated bisglycinate, a viable alternative to magnesium oxide—a form widely used in dietary supplements but known for its poor absorption.
Because in pharmacy, the right dosage matters. But so does the right form.
The health claims mentioned in this article are governed by European Commission Regulation (EC) No. 432/2012. A dietary supplement is not a substitute for medical treatment. If you have a confirmed deficiency, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
