Chelated Minerals and Trace Elements Dietary minerals and trace elements support biochemical processes that help your body burn fat, build muscle, strengthen bones, promote healing, and deliver oxygen to your cells. Proper absorption, or bioavailability, is es- sential to effective mineral and trace element supplementation. Minerals and trace elements are more rapidly absorbed by the intestinal tract when they are chelated-or wrapped-in an amino acid coating. Chelated cal- cium, for example, is absorbed sixty times as effectively as the calcium in milk. Enzymes All biochemical reactions are started or accelerated by a special class of pro- tein molecules called enzymes. One of the best-known enzyme supple- ments is lactase, which helps people who are lactose intolerant or unable to digest dairy products properly. Even though lactase is a helpful enzyme, as a supplement it's normally used before the consumption of dairy products only by those who lack the natural enzyme lactase. Bromelain is another enzyme that is getting a lot of attention for its di- gestive benefits. It's found in particularly high concentrations in pineapple. Bromelain is also being studied for its therapeutic value in treating severe bruises, inflammation, and soft tissue injuries. Pancreatic enzymes, such as amylase, protease, and lipase, are used to treat malabsorption syndromes, when the body's ability to digest a variety of nutrients is greatly impaired. They're also essential in breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates for proper digestion. Herbs In general, the side effects of herbal products are minimal. Many con- sumers are entranced by the designation "all natural" and thus tend to believe that all herbal products are safe. They don't think of herbs as drugs. Consumers should be advised by providers of medicinal herbs to ob- serve the proper dosage recommendations and stop taking an herbal prod- uct if any adverse reactions occur. There isn't much information on herb-drug interactions, so people who are also taking prescription medica- tions should be cautious. The Botanical Safety Handbook, published by the American Herbal Products Association, contains labeling recommenda- tions for 700 herbs commonly used in the United States. Herbal products have become more popular as consumers seek relief from common symptoms from sources other than their physicians. There- fore, the majority of the responsibility for patients' safety will fall on doc- tors and the pharmaceutical industry. Medical doctors are now recognizing the widespread use of herbal prod- ucts among their patients, and more clinical studies are under way. Physi- cians, as a rule, aren't very familiar with the herbal agents but will benefit their patients by being able to discuss these products with them. TOTAL HEALTH SUCCESS STOFTs Feeling Great in a Size 8 JUDY A. Account executive Ace: 63 Height: 5 feet, 4 inches Total Health start date: November Start weight.