Glycoprotein matrix could enhance zinc absorption by up to 40%

Data from a human study, published in Nutrients, revealed that the glycoprotein matrix zinc was found to be 40% more bioavailable than zinc oxide.

The study, funded by Ashland using its GPM zinc ingredient, highlighted the wide range of GPM vitamins and minerals offered by Ashland. These nutrients are derived from a nutrient-dense broth cultured, converted, and bio-transformed by microorganisms such as yeast and probiotics, as stated on the company’s website.

The GMP zinc utilized in the study was produced using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) along with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria strains, as explained by the researchers led by Dr. Ralf Jäger from Increnovo based in Milwaukee.

The researchers pointed out that although the probiotics used in the manufacturing process were heat-killed during drying, they still remained in the final product. These heat-killed microorganisms and microbial cell fragments, known as postbiotics, have been demonstrated to offer various health benefits, including enhanced nutrient absorption and support for immune and gastrointestinal health.

Science-backed claims

In response to the study, Maxine Weber, the director of marketing for nutraceuticals at Ashland, emphasized that this human study was the first to utilize GPM ingredients, building upon the extensive pre-clinical research. Weber highlighted the importance of scientific backing for all claims, with additional studies currently underway.

Weber mentioned that while the original GPM ingredients have been available for some time, Ashland continues to innovate and expand its product portfolio. The appeal of fermented nutrients attracts consumers interested in natural and organic products, with several new offerings meeting USDA organic requirements.

Weber also noted the increasing demand for women’s health products, particularly among pregnant women seeking high-quality ingredients in their prenatal vitamins. GPM nutrients offer an additional benefit of being gentler on the stomach, thanks to the food matrix binding during the fermentation process.

Study details

Dr. Jäger and his team conducted a study with 16 participants who were randomly assigned to consume either 11 mg of GPM zinc or zinc oxide. The results indicated significantly higher GPM zinc concentrations at two, three, and four hours post-ingestion compared to zinc oxide.

The researchers found that absorption of GPM zinc was 40% higher than zinc oxide, concluding that zinc bound to a glycoprotein matrix improves absorption efficiency and is well-tolerated by the gastrointestinal tract.

Source: Nutrients 2024, 16 (7), 1012; doi: 10.3390/nu16071012 “Glycoprotein Matrix Zinc Exhibits Improved Absorption: A Randomized Crossover Trial” Authors: R. Jäger et al.