A Value-Driven Nutraceutical Manufacturer  
BIOTRON Products New Products Services Links FAQs Contact Us Home
LABORATORIES                
FAQS

1) What does Biotron® do?
2) What is a chelate?
3) What amino acids are used in your chelates?
4) What is Biotron's average turn around time?
5) Do you offer quantity discounts?
6) Do you have a minimum order size?
7) Do you ship worldwide?

 Question What does Biotron® do?
 Answer Biotron® manufactures mineral amino acid chelates and complexes for use as nutritional supplement ingredients. Further, Biotron® performs specialty services, including formulation assistance and mixing of botanical, vitamin and multimineral blends available as drum-to-hopper powders.
    Back to Top
 Question What is a chelate?
 Answer In general terms, a chelate is a mineral sequestered in a 'molecular cage'. Surrounding the mineral in this manner provides two key functions: First, it prevents the formation of insoluble mineral precipitates in the stomach which quickly pass through the digestive system and thus are of limited nutritional value. Secondly and more importantly, when critical nutrients such as amino acids are used as the building blocks of the 'cage', the mineral is carried to sites of maximal absorption along with the amino acids themselves. The result is a mineral nutrient that has enhanced 'bioavailabilty' with the added benefit of being gentle on the body, unlike the harsh inorganic mineral salts used in many nutritional supplements.
    Back to Top
 Question What amino acids are used in your chelates?
 Answer

The Biotron® Process of manufacture utilizes the full spectrum of amino acids derived from enzymatically hydrolyzed natural proteins - rather than a single, chemically produced synthetic amino acid. This gives our chelates unique benefits : First, the product delivers a complete amino acid profile including 'essential' amino acids (those that must be consumed in the diet because the body is unable to produce them itself). Additionally, because these proteins are from a natural source, they have the added benefit of including trace amounts of other nutrients such as soy isoflavones - nutrients whose properties are just beginning to be understood. Furthermore, recent scientific evidence suggests that amino acids are taken up in short chains and not as single molecules1,2. Our manufacturing process delivers minerals sequestered in these short chains thus harnessing the body's own uptake mechanism to deliver highly available mineral nutrients.

1 Mechanisms of the Human Intestinal H+ -coupled Oligopeptide Transperoter hPEPT1. Mackenzie, B., Loo, D., Fei, Y., Liu, W., Ganapathy, V., Leibach, F., and Wright, E. The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 271 No. 10, 5430-5437 (1996).

2 Minimal Molecular Determinants of Substrates for Recognition by the Intestinal Peptide Transporter. Doring, F., Will, J., Amasheh, S., Clauss, W., Ahlbrecht, H., and Daniel, H. The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 273 No. 36, 23211-23218 (1998).
    Back to Top
 Question What is Biotron's average turn around time?
 Answer Our manufacturing times vary based upon customer requirements. Often, our standard bulk mineral products are available for shipment immediately. For products requiring more extensive handling such as custom blends expect slightly more lead time (2-4 weeks).
    Back to Top
 Question Do you offer quantity discounts?
 Answer Yes. Often it is possible to enter into contractual agreements that allow delivery of smaller quantities over an extended period of time to achieve volume price discounts.
    Back to Top
 Question Do you have a minimum order size?
 Answer Because it takes a minimum amount of material to operate much of our processing equipment, we have a standard minimum order size of 25 kilograms for bulk powders, and custom blends are considered on a case by case basis. However, often it is possible to 'coat-tail' and achieve smaller minimums by taking advantage of our regular production schedule or by repacking stocked items. Whenever possible we will strive to meet individual customer requirements; please contact our office for details.
    Back to Top
 Question Do you ship worldwide?
 Answer We can work with customers worldwide. Currently, Biotron® provides products and services to both North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
    Back to Top
Copyright Biotron Laboratories, All Rights Reserved Council for Responsible Nutrition