Question

Which of the following element is present in very less quantity in the food?
A) K
B) Ca
C) Mg
D) Cu

Answer 1

Hint: Nutrients are classified into two types; macronutrients and micronutrients. Elements that are present in traces in the human body are known as microelements, whereas, elements that are required in large amounts are termed as macronutrients.

Complete step by step answer: Both micro and macro elements play a very important role in human life.
A. K stands for potassium. Potassium is one of the most important minerals in the body that helps to regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions and nerve signals. Potassium also helps to reduce blood pressure, water retention and also protects against stroke and kidney stone.
B. Ca: Ca stands for calcium. Calcium forms calcium pectate which forms an integral compound of the middle level, so calcium is also an important element. It is present in bones in large amounts.
C. Mg: Mg stands for magnesium. It is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate diverse biochemical reactions in the body. It is involved in protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control and blood pressure regulation. Magnesium is required for energy production.
D. Cu ’stands for copper. It is the essential nutrient for the body, along with iron, it enables the body to form red blood cells. It helps in maintaining healthy bones, blood vessels, nerves and immune functions and also contributes to iron absorption. But it is required in very less quantity to our body.
Thus, the correct answer is option D.

Note: Nutrition in human beings is vital because of three main reasons:
1: Undernutrition includes problems like low weight, small height and low weight as per the age.
2: Micronutrient related malnutrition, which includes micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies.
3: The issue of being overweight, obese and diet-related non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, etc.