In the context of major minerals (sodium and potassium), which statement best describes table salt?

• A. Table salt is the mineral potassium chloride and primarily provides potassium.
• B. Table salt is an electrolyte-free seasoning and does not contain any minerals.
• C. Table salt is an organic vitamin that helps regulate fluid balance.
• D. Table salt is a compound (sodium chloride) that provides the mineral sodium in the diet.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the composition of table salt: Table salt is chemically known as sodium chloride, which means it contains sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) ions.
2. Recognize the role of sodium in nutrition: Sodium is a major mineral and an essential electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions in the body.
3. Differentiate table salt from potassium chloride: Potassium chloride is a different compound that provides potassium, another major mineral, but it is not the same as table salt.
4. Clarify that table salt is not an organic vitamin: Vitamins are organic compounds, whereas table salt is an inorganic mineral compound.
5. Conclude that table salt primarily provides sodium, making it a key source of this mineral in the diet, which is important for maintaining electrolyte balance.