E-mail: sales001@bosschemical.com                                              JINAN BOSS CHEM CO.,LTD
Telephone: +86-15628782329
You are here: Home » News » What Is Zinc Glycinate?

What Is Zinc Glycinate?

Views: 0     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2026-08-04      Origin: Site

facebook sharing button
twitter sharing button
line sharing button
wechat sharing button
linkedin sharing button
pinterest sharing button
whatsapp sharing button
sharethis sharing button

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

Zinc Glycinate vs. Other Zinc Forms: A Raw Material Comparison

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

 

Key Applications of Zinc Glycinate

Dietary Supplement Manufacturing

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

Animal Feed & Nutrition

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.

Food Fortification

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)

Personal Care & Cosmetics

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.

 

Quality Specifications

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)

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Related Products

ABOUT COMPANY
Founded in 2010, JINAN BOSS CHEM CO.,LTD. is a large-scale hi-tech enterprise focused on the research and development of fine chemicals and international trade.​​​​​​​

Copryright 2025 JINAN BOSS CHEM CO.,LTD Support By Leadong/ Privacy Policy