Abstract: A method for maintaining the immune system of a warm-blooded animal afflicted with a form of antigenic morbidity exacerbated by intestinal malabsorption of minerals is disclosed. Minerals selected from the group consisting of copper, zinc, manganese, iron and selenium are provided in the form of amino acid chelates having a ligand to mineral ratio of at least 1:1, a molecular weight of no more than 1500 and a stability constant of between about 10.sup.6 and 10.sup.16 and administered orally. They are absorbed from a portion of the intestinal tract other than that utilized for the absorption of cations. The method is particularly adapted to the maintaining of the immune system of a warm-blooded animal infected by a virus which compromises the absorption of trace minerals via the normal cationic absorption route. The presence of intestinal malabsorption in the host showing symptoms of antigenic morbidity is first confirmed.

Abstract: Amino acid chelates having a ligand to divalent metal mole ratio of at least 2:1 and having a molecular weight of not more than 1500 and preferably not more than 1000 and also having a stability constant of between about 10 and 10 are formulated for delivery to one or more specific tissue sites within a mammal. The ligand utilized in formulating the amino acid chelate is a naturally occuring amino acid or a dipeptide, tripeptide or quadrapeptide thereof. The selection of an appropriate ligand with which to form the chelate provides a product that, when entering the bloodstream of the mammal, either by mean of oral ingestion or injection, has a propensity to migrate to one or more targeted tissue sites within the mammal.

Abstract: Flavored, effervescent, water soluble compositions containing water-soluble and oil-soluble vitamins and amino acid chelated minerals in bioavailable form are contained in a composition consisting of 20-30% of a vitamin blend consisting of water-soluble and oil-soluble vitamins adsorbed on a lactose carrier containing a minor amount of propylene glycol, 5-25% of one or more amino acid chelated minerals selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and manganese, 20-45% citric acid, 5-25% of one or more alkali or alkaline earth metal bicarbonates or carbonates, 1-5% flavoring agent, 0.5-2% of a sweetening agent and sufficient additional lactose carrier to provide the desired vitamin and mineral content per unit dosage which will normally vary between about 2 and 6 grams. When dissolved in water a flavored, lightly carbonated drink is provided which will contain in soluble bioavailable form between about 50 to 100% of the U.S.