Abstract: A mineral fortified food matrix can comprise a dimetalhydroxy malate composition and a food matrix fortified with the dimetalhydroxy malate composition. Additionally, a method of administering a mineral in a bioavailable form to a warm-blooded animal can comprise steps of fortifying a food matrix with a dimetalhydroxy malate composition and orally administering the food matrix to a warm-blooded animal. In one embodiment, the mineral can be calcium and the method of administering calcium in a bioavailable form can comprise fortifying a food matrix with a dicalciumhydroxy malate composition.

Abstract: A mineral fortified food matrix can comprise a dimetalhydroxy malate composition and a food matrix fortified with the dimetalhydroxy malate composition. Additionally, a method of administering a mineral in a bioavailable form to a warm-blooded animal can comprise steps of fortifying a food matrix with a dimetalhydroxy malate composition and orally administering the food matrix to a warm-blooded animal. In one embodiment, the mineral can be calcium and the method of administering calcium in a bioavailable form can comprise fortifying a food matrix with a dicalciumhydroxy malate composition.

Abstract: Dimetalhydroxy malate compositions as well as methods of administering and making such bioavailable compositions are provided. The metal used can be any nutritionally relevant divalent metal such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, and iron. The composition can be prepared by reacting malic acid with a divalent metal oxide or hydroxide at a 1:2 molar ratio. The composition can be administered to a warm-blooded animal by any of a number of known delivery routes, including oral delivery.