Essential minerals for health: Balchem unveils opportunities of Virginia Tech research center

01 Mar 2024 --- Balchem and the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), US, recently established the Virginia Tech Mineral Metabolism Research Center. Nutrition Insight speaks to Dr. Eric Ciappio, strategic development manager of nutrition science at Balchem about the nutrition and health manufacturer’s expectations for the collaboration.

“This collaboration goes beyond conducting research — it’s also about further shaping the future of nutrition,” Ciappio states. “Minerals are essential for optimal health, and we often find that the scientific research on these important nutrients can be difficult to pin down.”

“Our collaboration with Virginia Tech intends to assess and summarize the current landscape, as it focuses on exploring the roles that minerals — particularly magnesium — play in human health, which enables researchers to identify open areas for future investigation.” 

The importance of magnesium 
The aim of the Virginia Tech Mineral Metabolism Research Center is to review contemporary scientific studies on the effects of minerals on human health.

The three distinct advantages of chelated minerals are bioavailability, tolerability and enhanced solubility.Initiative leader Dr. Stella Volpe, head of the department of human nutrition, foods and exercise at Virginia Tech, aims to publish a review article on the state of science on magnesium late this year. 

Ciappio points out that its Albion Minerals brand has been conducting mineral research for over six decades, introducing ingredient formats, such as magnesium bis-glycinate chelate and chelated iron.

“Chelated magnesium and iron are well-researched products, boasting over 70 scientific publications between them,” he continues. “Due to their unique structure, chelated minerals are less likely to interact with their environment.”

“Generally speaking, there are three distinct advantages of chelated minerals compared to traditional mineral forms — including improved bioavailability (particularly in the presence of anti-nutrients such as phytates), greater tolerability and enhanced solubility.” 

Interactions with other nutrients
Considering the multifaceted roles of magnesium in bodily functions, Ciappio argues that the upcoming review article is set to address potential interactions with other nutrients.

“In human health, nutrients rarely work alone, and magnesium is no exception. As magnesium serves as a cofactor for more than 300 enzyme systems in the body, the biology of magnesium is intricately tied to that of other nutrients,” he explains.

“For example, vitamin D is an essential nutrient for bone and immune health, and magnesium helps the body both synthesize vitamin D and convert it to its active form.” 

He adds that Dr. Volpe was part of a team of researchers who found that combining magnesium bisglycinate and vitamin D intake may be more effective at raising vitamin D status (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D), better than taking vitamin D alone.

“We hope to explore this emerging relationship further in the review, as well as capture additional insight about the role of magnesium across multiple health benefit areas.”

Improved hemoglobin concentration 
Discussing the health benefits associated with mineral supplementation beyond magnesium, Ciappio points to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2023 in Nutrition Reviews.

Supplementation with Fe bisglycinate improves hemoglobin concentrations better than  other iron salts.This study examined the effects of supplementing ferrous iron (Fe) bisglycinate, a source of dietary iron, compared to other iron supplements on markers of iron status, such as hemoglobin, and gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events in pregnant women. 

“Pooling the effects of nine randomized controlled trials, including over 1,100 expecting moms, the researchers found that supplementation with Fe bisglycinate, the active ingredient in Balchem’s Ferrochel Chelated Iron, led to significantly greater improvements in hemoglobin concentrations compared to other iron salts.”

“In addition, they found that supplementation with Fe bisglycinate was 64% less likely to lead to GI adverse events compared to other iron salts. This research highlights both the benefits of chelated minerals — greater bioavailability and improved tolerability — and the depth of research we have to support the efficacy of these products,” he details.

Market growth
Ciappio explains that part of Balchem’s interest in building on existing research on magnesium is the growing popularity of minerals and magnesium in particular. “In the market, we see minerals gaining traction. This showcases the significance and awareness for this ingredient among consumers.”

“At the same time, this is a massive opportunity for brands to stand out and breakthrough in this segment by taking a more differentiated look at their ingredients and implementing science-backed, strong storytelling that educates their consumers about differences and benefits.”

“Balchem’s global presence is one of the key elements that ensure that this collaboration and research outcomes have an impact worldwide,” he continues. “We understand that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to nutrition.”

“That’s why the Virginia Tech Mineral Metabolism Research Center, in partnership with Balchem, is committed to reviewing contemporary scientific knowledge. This is an inclusive approach which transcends geographical boundaries and dietary preferences.”

“We are excited about the opportunity to work with the team at Virginia Tech to help establish this center of excellence, and we look forward to seeing the outcome of this project, with magnesium-based research and beyond,” Ciappio concludes. 

By Milana Nikolova