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What Is HVP Chelate?

An hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) chelate is a compound created by processing a certain type of protein. It is used in a variety of health store products.

  1. Significance

    • HVP is a processed, food product that can be chemically bound to a metal atom such as iron, zinc or magnesium. The resulting chemical compound is called an HVP chelate, which comes from the Greek word chela, meaning "claw." This is because of how the the protein clasps, or binds, the metal atom.

    Function

    • Because many vitamins and minerals are typically difficult to absorb into the bloodstream, many pharmaceutical and health product companies have integrated the use of HVP chelates into their vitamin and mineral products. The proteins are easily absorbed into the body, and so are the metals bound to them.

    Warning

    • Hydrolyzed vegetable protein is similar to monosodium glutamate (MSG) and both are used as flavor enhancers in many processed foods. In March 2010, about 10,000 products that contained HVP were recalled because they were thought to contain salmonella. It is possible that HVP chelates may also contain the salmonella virus.

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