Which minerals are microminerals?

• A. Iron, zinc, manganese, iodine, copper
• B. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium
• C. Sodium and potassium
• D. Magnesium and sulfur

Answer: (A)

Microminerals, or trace minerals, are minerals needed in small amounts—typically less than about 100 mg per day. The minerals iron, zinc, manganese, iodine, and copper fit this category, so they are microminerals. Each plays specific roles: iron is essential for hemoglobin and oxygen transport; zinc acts as a cofactor for many enzymes and supports immune function; manganese contributes to bone formation and metabolism; iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormones; copper is involved in iron metabolism and multiple enzymes.

The other options consist of macrominerals, which are required in larger amounts: calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium support bone health and various metabolic processes; sodium and potassium are key electrolytes that regulate fluid balance and nerve function; sulfur is a component of amino acids and other compounds. Hence, they are not microminerals.