Question 1

Which mineral is most commonly found in the human body, and what is one of its primary physiological roles?

Accepted Answer

Calcium; building strong bones and teeth

Question 2

A patient presents with muscle cramps, diarrhea, and nausea after taking high doses of a mineral supplement. Which mineral is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Magnesium

Question 3

Which of the following dietary practices would most likely decrease calcium absorption?

Accepted Answer

Eating spinach with a calcium supplement

Question 4

A person is diagnosed with goiter. Which mineral deficiency is most likely responsible, and what is a good dietary source to prevent it?

Accepted Answer

Iodine; iodized salt

Question 5

Which mineral is most often overconsumed in the typical diet and is associated with increased risk of hypertension and heart disease?

Accepted Answer

Sodium

Question 6

A patient is found to have irregular heartbeat and heart damage after taking excessive mineral supplements. Which mineral is most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Potassium

Question 7

Which mineral is a critical component of DNA, RNA, and ATP, and also helps regulate blood pH?

Accepted Answer

Phosphorus

Question 8

Which mineral's absorption is increased by vitamin C, and what is a practical dietary recommendation based on this interaction?

Accepted Answer

Iron; consume orange juice with iron-fortified cereal

Question 9

Which mineral is a cofactor for enzymes involved in collagen synthesis, aids in iron absorption, and helps form hemoglobin?

Accepted Answer

Copper

Question 10

A nutritionist recommends replacing table salt with a mineral that helps regulate water balance, acid-base balance, and supports neuron and muscle function. Which mineral is being recommended?

Accepted Answer

Potassium

Question 11

Which mineral is essential for neutralizing free radicals and regulating thyroid hormone actions, but can cause nausea, vomiting, and nail discoloration if consumed in excess?

Accepted Answer

Selenium

Question 12

Which mineral is found in wine as sulfites and is important for liver detoxification and preventing food discoloration?

Accepted Answer

Sulfur

Question 13

A patient is experiencing poor fetal development and delayed adolescent growth. Which mineral deficiency could be responsible, and what is one of its other major functions?

Accepted Answer

Zinc; cofactor for enzymes

Question 14

Which mineral is a cofactor for enzymes that break down drugs, toxins, and alcohols in the body?

Accepted Answer

Molybdenum

Question 15

Which mineral is most easily absorbed in its heme form, and what is a practical implication for vegetarians?

Accepted Answer

Iron; vegetarians should pair non-heme iron with vitamin C

Question 16

Which mineral is found in water and toothpaste, and is important for strengthening bone and enamel?

Accepted Answer

Fluoride

Question 17

A patient is advised to increase their intake of a mineral that improves the effectiveness of insulin and is involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Which mineral is this?

Accepted Answer

Chromium

Question 18

Which mineral is involved in the removal of $$\mathrm{CO}_2$$ from the blood and is commonly found in blood, stomach, and intracellular fluid?

Accepted Answer

Chloride

Question 19

If a person consumes excessive calcium supplements, which of the following minerals' absorption could be most negatively affected?

Accepted Answer

Iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc

Question 20

A patient with high blood pressure is advised to reduce sodium intake and increase another mineral that is often lost during food refinement. Which mineral should they focus on, and why?

Accepted Answer

Potassium; it helps regulate blood pressure and is underconsumed

Essential Minerals in Human Nutrition: Functions, Sources, and Interactions

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