Metal lysine complexes and method for producing metal lysine complexes

Abstract

A number of metal lysine hydrochloride complexes are produced according to described preparation methods. The complexes are of the formula [Lys].sub.m-n (M) .sub.y X.sub.z wherein: [Lys] is the amino acid lysine; M is a metal ion of either iron, copper, zinc, manganese, or cobalt; m is the valency of the selected metal ion; n is a positive integer less than m; y and z are integers selected to electrostatically balance the cationic and anionic charges of the metal lysine complex; and X is an anion selected from the group including hydroxides, halides, sulfates, phosphates, carbonates, and acetates. The metal lysine hydrochloride complexes are prepared by dissolving in water an oxide or salt of the metal. To the aqueous solution, a quantity of lysine monohydrochloride in a molar ratio to the metal ion of between 0.5 and 4.0 is added and the solution is heated to between 20.degree. C. and 100.degree. C. The metal lysine hydrochloride complexes are used in dietary supplementation, parenteral administration, or topical application of living organisms to raise the intake of the metal by the organism to recommended levels.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.