Albion Advanced Nutrition: Mastering Minerals Research

For several years, Albion Advanced Nutrition, Clearfield, UT, has been busy building the scientific evidence behind minerals, particularly chelated minerals. As a company dedicated to eradicating anemia in various populations throughout the world, it is no surprise that a lot of this research has focused on its flagship product Ferrochel, a patented, totally reacted amino acid chelate iron source used in supplement, pharmaceutical and food applications worldwide.

The clinical work that has been carried out on Ferrochel speaks to its superior bioavailability and tolerability among consumers using the mineral. As a result of this work, Max Motyka, director, Human Products Division, says doctors can feel more comfortable prescribing high doses of iron because they know there will be better compliance due to the high tolerability seen when they use a product like Ferrochel.

Most recently, Albion has been concentrating on finding better forms of calcium for consumers. This development work has led the company to patents revolving a­round dimineral malates. “Our new dicalcium malate is 30% elemental and the relative absorption is much greater than calcium carbonate. The absorption is not as great as the calcium chelate that we make, but when you balance the percentage elemental and the relative absorption you have a positive impact on a formulation,” he said, adding, “The other benefit of the product is that it is well tolerated by the digestive system, which is important because minerals like calcium carbonate tend to cause ‘acid rebound’—an increase in acid secretion resulting from the administration of this antacid.” Dicalcium malate does not have the same effect, which, Mr. Motyka says, is a definite advantage when you have to take something like calcium in higher dosages.

One mineral that Mr. Motyka feels has been left out of the health spotlight lately is magnesium. “We feel like magnesium doesn’t get the attention it deserves,” he said. “It is involved in more than 400 enzyme systems in the body and it affects everything you do.” According to Mr. Motyka, the USDA has found through its research that 70% of the U.S. is not only getting below the RDI for magnesium, but in fact they are getting less than 60% of the RDI, which is significant because that is a point at which consumers can be considered at risk for deficiency.

Albion’s work in minerals has also led it to the sports nutrition segment. This area has been a major focal point for the company in the last few years. “We launched magnesium creatine and magnesium glycyl glutamine, which have been very well received in the area of sports nutrition,” Mr. Motyka explained. “In fact, our magnesium creatine has been the subject of recent studies showing it has better absorption than creatine monohydrate. I am anxious for the results of a new study on this ingredient, because I think it will have a major impact on creatine usage in the U.S.”

But perhaps Albion’s most important clinical study is just getting under way. Mr. Motyka says this new trial will pair Albion’s zinc arginine chelate with LycoRed’s Lyc-O-Mato lycopene ingredient. This study is being conducted at The Ohio State University and it will determine the effect of these ingredients on prostate health in a human clinical trial. Results are expected this summer.

Mr. Motyka says the nutrition market is growing bigger every day, as the interest in functional foods continues to gain traction and the involvement of pharmaceutical companies returns. He added, “The age of alternative therapies will continue to grow immensely over the next 20 years, which will be great for the consumer. The narrow mindedness of health practitioners from one side of the spectrum to the other is not good for consumers. For the health of the nation and the world you really need to be able to take advantage of all remedies whether it’s drugs or nutrients. We need truly holistic medicine in the 21st century.”—R.W.


Albion Advanced Nutrition
Human Products Division
100 Maple Park Boulevard, Suite 110
St. Clair Shores, MI 48081
Telephone: 800-222-0733
Fax: 586-774-8838
E-mail: mmotyka@albion-an.com
Website: www.albion-an.com