A comprehensive reference text explores the nature of chelating agents and the underlying reasons for their metal-binding properties and discusses the mechanisms of absorption for various metals and the possible role of chelating agents in influencing the utilization of certain minerals. Topics include: the physico-chemical characteristics of chelates and chelation and their measurements; the bioavailability of metals and proteins as ligands; the role of phytic acid and other phosphates as chelating agents; miscellaneous chelates (oxalic acid, ionophores, clays); the chelation, uptake, and...