A balanced supplement combines bisglycinate, methionine and copper to optimize absorption and maintain natural mineral balance.
Zinc Bisglycinate: What Is It and What Are Its Benefits?
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Leesduur: 6 min
Zinc bisglycinate is one of the most absorbable and stomach-friendly forms of zinc you can take. Combined with zinc methionine, you even get the best of both worlds: high bioavailability and stable absorption.
In this article, you'll discover why the form of zinc you choose makes such a difference, what makes zinc bisglycinate special, and why combining it with zinc methionine is the smartest choice.
Zinc bisglycinate and zinc methionine are easily absorbed, stomach-friendly forms of zinc that together ensure stable, efficient absorption and wide applicability.
Zinc plays an essential role in the immune system, skin, hair, nails, fertility and cell division; a deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems.
Table of contents
Why the shape of zinc matters
When choosing a zinc supplement, it's important to know that not all forms are equally effective. Cheaper versions, such as zinc oxide or zinc sulfate , are often less well absorbed and can cause stomach upset in some people.
That's why bioavailability is important. It indicates how much zinc your body can actually absorb and utilize.
One difference is mainly between inorganic forms and chelates :
- Inorganic zinc compounds are zinc bound to minerals or salts, such as oxide or sulfate.
- Chelates are zinc molecules linked to an amino acid, such as glycine (zinc bisglycinate) or methionine (zinc methionine).
Research shows that these chelates often show better absorption than the inorganic variants, allowing them to be utilized more efficiently by the body. (1)
In short : It is not only the amount of zinc that counts, but especially the form in which you take it.
What is zinc bisglycinate? And what are its benefits?
Zinc bisglycinate is a special form of zinc in which one zinc particle is bonded to two molecules of the amino acid glycine. This bond is called a chelate .
The advantage of this form is mainly practical:
- Good absorption – Because glycine is a small amino acid, the complex can be absorbed more easily through the intestinal wall.
- Mild tolerability – Many people find that zinc bisglycinate is less likely to cause stomach upset compared to some inorganic forms, such as zinc oxide or zinc sulfate.
This makes zinc bisglycinate a popular form of choice in supplements, especially when absorption and tolerability are important. (1)(2)
Zinc Methionine: A Powerful Supplement
Besides zinc bisglycinate, zinc methionine is also a commonly used form. In this form, zinc is bound to the amino acid methionine .
Because methionine is an essential amino acid that you must obtain through food, it forms a stable and easily absorbable chelate together with zinc.
The most important benefits at a glance:
- Good absorption - Like bisglycinate, methionine is a chelate, which allows zinc to pass through the intestinal wall more easily than inorganic forms such as zinc oxide or zinc sulfate.
- Stability - Methionine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that makes the bond with zinc very stable. This prevents the zinc from being released too quickly in the stomach (where it can cause irritation), but allows it to be efficiently absorbed further along in the intestine.
- Additional contribution from methionine itself - Methionine is an essential amino acid (your body cannot produce it). It plays a role in the production of antioxidants (such as glutathione) and in methylation processes. This makes zinc methionine an interesting form that does more than just provide zinc. (3)
The power of the combination: Bisglycinate + methionine
Zinc bisglycinate and zinc methionine each have their own strengths. Bisglycinate is known for its gentle and efficient absorption in the intestines, while methionine primarily provides stability and also plays a role as an essential amino acid in the body.
Together they form a valuable combination : easily absorbed, gentle on the stomach, and with a wide range of applications. That's why the combination of these two forms is often considered one of the most balanced choices for a zinc supplement.
Why zinc is essential
Zinc is an essential mineral, meaning your body can't produce it on its own. You must therefore obtain it through food or supplements.
Do you know what you need zinc for? Many people know it as supporting their immune system. But it does so much more.
These are the main functions of zinc:
- Immune system – Zinc contributes to the normal functioning of your immune system.
- Skin, hair and nails – Zinc helps maintain normal skin, hair and nails.
- Fertility – Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction.
- Cell division and protection – Zinc plays a role in the process of cell division and protects cells from oxidative damage.
Because zinc has so many functions, a deficiency can lead to a variety of complaints such as:
- Reduced resistance
- Skin and mucous membrane problems
- Hair loss or brittle nails
- Altered sense of smell and taste
- Delayed wound healing
- Retarded growth (especially in children or during pregnancy) (4)(5)
Why zinc and copper go hand in hand
Zinc is important, but too much zinc without supplementation can disrupt your copper balance . Both minerals use some of the same transport pathways in your body. Taking high amounts of zinc for extended periods can reduce copper absorption.
Copper itself is also essential. It supports the normal functioning of your immune system , aids in energy metabolism , and contributes to normal skin and hair pigmentation .
That's why high-quality zinc supplements often combine zinc with a small amount of copper. This prevents imbalance and allows the two minerals to work together effectively. (6)(7)
Zinc Complex: Complete and balanced
Want to ensure you're supplementing with zinc in a well-absorbed and balanced way? Our Zinc Complex combines two highly absorbable forms (bisglycinate and methionine) and adds copper bisglycinate to maintain the natural balance.
The result? A high-quality formula that is efficiently absorbed and safe to use daily.
One-minute summary
Zinc is an essential mineral that your body needs for your immune system, skin, hair, nails, fertility and cell division.
However, not all supplements are equally effective. Cheaper versions like zinc oxide are often less well absorbed and can cause stomach upset.
That's why chelates like zinc bisglycinate and zinc methionine are better. They bind zinc to amino acids, making it easier for the body to absorb.
- Zinc bisglycinate - A gentle absorption, mild on the stomach.
- Zinc methionine - Stable, easily absorbed and also provides methionine, an essential amino acid.
Together they form a strong combination: efficient, gentle on the stomach and widely applicable.
Important to remember : Long-term high zinc intake without copper can disrupt your copper balance. Therefore, high-quality supplements combine both minerals so they complement each other rather than conflict.
With a complex containing bisglycinate, methionine and copper, you choose a complete and safe zinc supplement.
Ebrina van der Bijl
Ebrina is a nutritionist with a deep commitment to healthy eating and a sustainable lifestyle, based in beautiful Portugal. Her passion for natural and organic products is at the heart of her work. With a background in Nutrition & Dietetics and experience in product development and writing, she translates complex scientific information into practical advice for a balanced lifestyle.
Sources used
- 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
- Gandia, N., Bour, N., Maurette, N., Donazzolo, N., Duchène, N., Béjot, N., & Houin, N. (2007). A Bioavailability Study Comparing Two Oral Formulations Containing Zinc (Zn Bis-Glycinate vs. Zn Gluconate) After a Single Administration to Twelve Healthy Female Volunteers. International Journal For Vitamin And Nutrition Research, 77(4), 243–248. https://doi.org/10.1024/0300-9831.77.4.243
- Chen, X., He, C., Zhang, K., Wang, J., Ding, Comparison of zinc bioavailability in zinc-glycine and zinc-methionine chelates for broilers fed with a corn-soybean meal diet. Frontiers in Physiology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.983954
- Roohani, N., Hurrell, R., Kelishadi, R., & Schulin, R. (2013). Zinc and its importance for human health: An integrative review. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 18(2), 144–157.
- Maares, M., & Haase, H. (2016). Zinc and immunity: An essential interrelation. Archives Of Biochemistry And Biophysics, 611, 58–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abb.2016.03.022
- Hoffman, H. N., Phyliky, R. L., & Fleming, C. (1988). Zinc-induced copper deficiency. Gastroenterology, 94(2), 508–512. https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-5085(88)90445-3
- Duncan, A., Morrison, I., & Bryson, S. (2023). Iatrogenic copper deficiency: Risks and cautions with zinc prescribing. British Journal Of Clinical Pharmacology, 89(9), 2825–2829. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.15749
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