Minerals are the vital 5% of human nutrition and serve as a foundation for metabolism. Minerals are the catalysts that assist in the formation and function of enzymes. They form the structural foundation of the body on which all muscles, tissues and organs are constructed. Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese and copper are classified as the essential elements of nutrition. They are interrelated and balanced against each other in all body functions. Chelation is the key to mineral metabolism. It is nature's process of transferring inorganic minerals to organic form with amino acids so they can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Minerals are poorly absorbed by the small intestine unless they are properly chelated with amino acids. Trophic, by pre-chelating minerals with amino acids, relieves the body of this task.