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Zinc glycinate is an organically chelated zinc compound with the molecular formula C₄H₈N₂O₄Zn and a molecular weight of 213.50 g/mol. In its monohydrate powder form, it typically contains approximately 26% elemental zinc by weight.
Property | Value |
CAS Number | 14281-83-5 |
Molecular Formula | C₄H₈N₂O₄Zn |
Molecular Weight | 213.50 g/mol |
Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
Zinc Content (Monohydrate) | ~26% |
Melting Point | >300°C |
Density | 1.99 g/cm³ |
Solubility | Slightly water-soluble |
For formulators and procurement professionals, the choice of zinc source directly impacts product quality, label claims, and cost structure. Below is a comparison of the most common zinc raw materials on the market.
Zinc Form | Type | Elemental Zinc Content | Relative Bioavailability | Key Characteristics |
Zinc Glycinate / Bisglycinate | Chelated (organic) | ~25–26% | ★★★★★ | High absorption; minimal GI irritation; stable chelate bond |
Zinc Picolinate | Chelated (organic) | ~20% | ★★★★ | Good absorption; longer market history |
Zinc Gluconate | Organic salt | ~14% | ★★★ | Moderate absorption; commonly used in lozenges |
Zinc Citrate | Organic salt | ~31% | ★★★ | High elemental content; moderate absorption |
Zinc Sulfate | Inorganic salt | ~22% | ★★ | Low cost; may cause GI discomfort |
Zinc Oxide | Inorganic oxide | ~80% | ★ | Highest Zn content; lowest absorption; lowest cost |
Zinc glycinate is a core raw material for the dietary supplement industry, used across multiple delivery formats:
Capsules & Tablets
● — As a free-flowing powder with good compressibility, zinc glycinate is suitable for direct compression and dry blending into hard-shell capsules and tablets
Powder Blends & Drink Mixes
● — Its mild taste profile relative to inorganic zinc salts makes it a preferred choice for powdered supplements
Gummies & Soft Chews
● — Zinc glycinate's compatibility with gelatin and pectin matrices supports the growing gummy supplement segment
Multivitamin-Mineral Premixes
● — Its low interaction with other minerals in a premix environment supports stability in complex formulations
Zinc glycinate is widely used in premixes, compound feed, and mineral supplements for livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and companion animals. As a trace element source, it supports:
Growth performance
● in broilers, piglets, and fish
Feed conversion efficiency
● through improved nutrient utilization
Hoof, feather, and skin integrity
● in production animals
Reproductive performance
● in breeding stock
Compared to feed-grade zinc oxide and zinc sulfate, glycinate-bound zinc delivers the same or better nutritional effect at lower total zinc inclusion, which also reduces zinc excretion into the environment — a growing regulatory concern in intensive livestock regions.
Zinc glycinate is utilized in staple food fortification programs and functional food development. Its organoleptic profile (minimal metallic aftertaste vs. sulfate/oxide) makes it suitable for:
● Wheat flour and cereal fortification
● Dairy-based nutritional products
● Plant-based milk alternatives
● Infant formula and follow-on formula (as zinc bisglycinate, where permitted by regulation)
In personal care applications, zinc glycinate serves as a zinc source in:
● Oral care products (toothpaste, mouthwash)
● Skincare formulations
● Hair care products
In these applications, the glycinate form offers compatibility with aqueous systems and a lower astringency profile compared to zinc sulfate or zinc chloride.
Parameter | Specification |
Assay (Zn content) | 25.0–27.0% (monohydrate) |
pH (1% aqueous solution) | 9.0–11.0 |
Loss on Drying | ≤8.0% |
Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 ppm |
Arsenic (As) | ≤1 ppm |
Lead (Pb) | ≤2 ppm |
Cadmium (Cd) | ≤1 ppm |
Mercury (Hg) | ≤0.1 ppm |
Particle Size | 95% through 80 mesh (typical) |
Q: What is the difference between zinc glycinate and zinc bisglycinate?
A: The terms are used interchangeably in the industry. "Zinc bisglycinate" more precisely describes the 1:2 molar ratio of zinc to glycine in the chelate. Both refer to the same CAS 14281-83-5 compound.
Q: Is zinc glycinate water-soluble?
A: Zinc glycinate is only slightly water-soluble. For liquid formulations, manufacturers typically use dispersions or suspensions, or select a more soluble zinc form such as zinc gluconate.
Q: Can zinc glycinate be used in organic-certified products?
A: It depends on the certifying body and the specific standard. Generally, synthetic chelated minerals are not permitted in USDA Organic products. Chelated minerals produced through specific approved processes may qualify under some organic certification schemes. Consult your certifier for the latest guidance.
Q: What documentation should I expect with a zinc glycinate shipment?
A: Standard export documentation includes: Certificate of Analysis (CoA), Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS), Certificate of Origin, bill of lading, and commercial invoice. Additional documentation (HALAL, KOSHER, GMO-free, allergen statements) should be requested prior to order confirmation.
Q: How does zinc glycinate compare on cost?
A: Zinc glycinate is priced at a premium to inorganic forms (oxide, sulfate) — typically 3–8x on a per-kilogram basis. However, when adjusted for bioavailability (cost per unit of absorbed zinc), the premium narrows considerably. Formulators should evaluate cost-in-use rather than per-kilogram price when comparing zinc sources.
Q: Can zinc glycinate be blended with other minerals in a premix?
A: Yes. One of the advantages of the glycinate chelate is reduced interaction with other minerals during storage — particularly with iron and calcium, where competitive absorption is a known concern. However, premix stability testing is always recommended for new formulations.
