Chelated Minerals

• Overview
• Uses
• Side Effects
• Dosing

Chelated minerals are minerals that have been combined chemically with amino acids to form “complexes.” You will see products labeled as chelated boron, chelated calcium, chelated chromium, etc.

Chelated minerals are used for supporting normal growth, stabilizing bipolar disorder, building strong muscles and bones, and improving immune system function and overall health. Promoters sometimes market chelated minerals as dietary supplements that are superior to other mineral supplements, claiming chelated minerals are used more easily by the body (more bioavailable) than non-chelated minerals. But there is no evidence to support this claim. In fact, there is very little scientific information about chelated minerals.

How does it work?

Minerals are required for the proper growth and maintenance of the body. There is no evidence to support the claim that chelated minerals can be used by the body better than non-chelated minerals.

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

• Bipolar disorder. There is some early evidence suggesting that some cases of bipolar disorder may be stabilized with a chelated mineral supplement. A research study that meets generally accepted scientific standards is currently underway in adults with bipolar disorder.
• Use as a dietary mineral supplement.
• Improving immune system function.
• Building strong muscles and bones.
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of chelated minerals for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

There isn't enough information available to know if chelated minerals are safe.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of chelated minerals during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

The appropriate dose of chelated minerals varies with each specific mineral and depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for chelated minerals. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.