Here is a question that follows the previous question about daily values. Many spices used in cooking also have a therapeutic effect as a medicinal herb. Take for example, ginger. It is used widely in Asian cookery and is used medicinally for digestion and upset stomach. There are many herbs that are very bitter and would not be good used as a flavoring or spice.
Elemental weight refers to the actual weight of the available mineral.
Compound weight refers to the entire weight of the mineral plus an organic material it has been combined with. In the past, it may have been difficult to determine which is which on the label. But with implementation of the new Supplement label, elemental should be reported. The creation of uniform production and testing standards for dietary supplements is an ongoing process. Several trade organizations have created guidelines, but no national organization or authority currently oversees a general standard.