Question
Question: Which mineral is important for strong bones and teeth? A)Calcium only B)Phosphorous only C)Cal...
Which mineral is important for strong bones and teeth?
A)Calcium only
B)Phosphorous only
C)Calcium and Phosphorous
D)Iron
Solution
Proper nutrition is important for growing individuals. Nutrition comes from vitamins and minerals, which comes from the food we consume. Different parts of our body need specific amounts of vitamins for proper growth and achieving overall health.
Complete answer:
Our body needs both vitamins and minerals for proper growth and functioning. The minerals which are required essentially by the body are termed as essential minerals. Based on the amount they are needed, essential minerals are divided into macrominerals and trace minerals (microminerals).
| Sodium | Proper fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction |
|---|---|
| Chloride | Proper fluid balance, stomach acid |
| Potassium | Proper fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction |
| Calcium | Healthy bones and teeth, muscles relaxation and contraction, nerve functioning, blood clotting, blood pressure regulation |
| Phosphorus | Healthy bones and teeth, maintains acid-base balance |
| Magnesium | Making protein, muscle contraction, nerve transmission |
Trace minerals (microminerals):
| Iron | Part of a molecule (hemoglobin) found in red blood cells that carries oxygen in the body, needed for energy metabolism |
|---|---|
| Zinc | Needed for making protein and genetic material, taste perception, wound healing, normal fetal development, production of sperm, normal growth and sexual maturation, immune system health |
| Iodine | Helps to regulate growth, development, and metabolism |
| Selenium | Antioxidant |
| Copper | Needed for iron metabolism |
| Manganese | Part of many enzymes |
| Fluoride | Involved in formation of bones and teeth, prevent tooth decay |
| Chromium | Regulates blood sugar (glucose) levels |
| Molybdenum | Part of some enzymes |
Hence, the correct answer is option (C)
Note: Some other trace nutrients which are essential but required in small amounts include nickel, silicon, vanadium, and cobalt. Vitamin D regulates the body's balance of calcium and phosphorus and promotes absorption. It also helps in reducing the inflammation of gums. Apart from all the minerals, a healthy diet is essential for healthy teeth.