OPTIMIZING PROTEIN UTILIZATION WITH AMINO ACID CHELATES

摘要

A method for optimizing the digestion of dietary proteins into amino acids in warm-blooded animals is attained through the administration of mineral amino acid chelates. The primary minerals utilized are zinc, iron and manganese. Copper and cobalt are secondary optional minerals with copper being preferred. Magnesium and potassium are also optionally administered. The minerals consisting of iron, zinc, manganese, copper, cobalt and magnesium are provided in the form of amino acid chelates having a ligand to mineral molar ratio of at least 1:1, a molecular weight of no more than 1500 daltons and a stability constant of between about 106 and 10 16 and administered orally. Potassium may be added as an inorganic salt or as a 1:1 ligand to potassium amino acid complex. The minerals are utilized to improve the digestion of dietary protein to the amino acid or dipeptide stage where they are utilized to build body protein or used in enzymes or other body processes. The method is useful for optimizing the digestion of limited amounts of protein in the diet or in improving the assimilation of digested protein in situation of protein malabsorption.