Individuals at high risk for mineral deficiencies include the elderly because of deteriorating digestion, children and teenagers because of poor diet, individuals who have an eating disorder, and anyone suffering from a chronic disease. Taking certain prescription medications can also result in mineral deficiencies. Because the mineral content of fruits and vegetables depends on the soil health of the crop it is grown in, even a healthy individual who maintains a good diet can be at risk for a mineral deficiency because of mineral-depleted soil.

By their very nature, minerals are not particularly well absorbed by the human body. In addition, various dietary, lifestyle, and health factors can have a negative impact on mineral absorption. One of the barriers to mineral absorption is overcoming the natural form the mineral comes in. Thornes mineral ingredients are primarily in their chelated form the mineral is linked to an amino acid or an organic acid via a molecular reaction that provides a predictable, high quality, and hypoallergenic chelate. Thornes mineral supplements are designed for optimal absorption.*