Mineral chelation

Mineral chelation refers to the chemical process by which mineral ions (such as iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, etc.) are bound to organic molecules called ligands (typically amino acids, peptides, or proteins) via multiple coordination bonds, forming stable ring-like complexes called chelates. In biology and medicine, chelation is essential for enhancing the absorption and bioavailability of dietary mineral supplements and forms the basis for chelation therapy, where chelating agents are used to remove toxic metals from the body[3][1][2][4][7]. Chelated minerals are preferred in supplements and animal feed for their improved stability and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, and chelation is also widely used in environmental chemistry, food science, and soil management[6][9][8]. However, mineral chelation itself is a process, not a protein, receptor, or gene, and should not be regarded as a canonical therapeutic target.

Other names

Chelated mineralschelation processmineral chelates

Ligands (chelating agents) bind multivalent mineral ions via multiple coordination (dative covalent) bonds, forming stable, ring-like complexes that are more soluble and less reactive. In therapy, chelation mobilizes toxic metals from tissues for renal or biliary excretion. In nutritional supplements, chelation shields minerals from dietary absorption inhibitors and facilitates transport across the intestinal wall