NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

What distinguishes major minerals from minor minerals?

1. Major minerals are more than 10mg, minor minerals are less than 10mg

2. Major minerals are essential for energy production, minor minerals are not

3. Major minerals contain more than 20mg, minor minerals contain less than 20mg

4. Major minerals are sourced only from animal products, minor minerals from plants

The correct answer is: Major minerals contain more than 20mg, minor minerals contain less than 20mg

The distinction between major and minor minerals primarily lies in their concentration and the amounts required by the body. Major minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride, are needed in larger quantities, typically more than 100 milligrams per day. When saying that major minerals contain more than 20mg, while it could describe a general understanding, the more accurate threshold for categorizing them is indeed based on a minimum of 100mg, which highlights the body’s greater need for these minerals. On the other hand, minor minerals, often called trace minerals like iron, zinc, and selenium, are required in much smaller amounts, typically less than 100 milligrams per day, which aligns with the idea that they are consumed in quantities often less than 20mg. Therefore, while the distinction may not precisely match all definitions, choosing an answer that reflects the general recognition of major minerals needing to be greater than a lower threshold does convey an essential understanding of mineral classification. The other choices do not provide accurate distinctions: the notion that major minerals are solely for energy production is misleading, as both types of minerals play various roles; the classification based on 10mg versus 20mg doesn't fully encompass the body's requirements; and