Which of the following lists contains only the seven major minerals defined by the >100 mg/day cutoff?

• A. Sodium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, chloride, magnesium, manganese — because iron and zinc are often discussed and phosphorus is chemically similar in function to those other elements listed, so they fit the major category by association.
• B. Calcium, iodine, selenium, magnesium, potassium, fluoride, sulfur — since these elements all contribute to metabolic reactions in small amounts.
• C. Phosphorus, chloride, copper, sodium, sulfur, chromium, calcium — because copper and chromium are commonly included as primary dietary minerals.
• D. Sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, chloride, magnesium, sulfur.

Answer: (D)