1. Three-fourths of the sodium in people’s diets comes from: a. fresh meats. b. home-cooked foods. c. frozen vegetables and meats. d. salt added to food by manufacturers. ANSWER: D RATIO: People who eat mostly processed and fast foods have the highest sodium intakes, whereas those who eat mostly whole, unprocessed foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, have the lowest intakes. In fact, about three- fourths of the sodium in people’s diets comes from salt added to foods by manufacturers. 2. Which mineral is critical to keeping the heartbeat steady and plays a major role in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance? a. Sodium b. Calcium c. Potassium d. Magnesium ANSWER: C RATIO: Option C is the accurate answer because Potassium plays a major role in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance and cell integrity. During nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction, potassium and sodium briefly trade places across the cell membrane. 3. The two best ways to prevent age-related bone loss and fracture are to: a. take calcium supplements and estrogen. b. participate in aerobic activity and drink eight glasses of milk daily. c. eat a diet low in fat and salt and refrain from smoking. d. maintain a lifelong adequate calcium intake and engage in weight- bearing physical activity. ANSWER: D RATIO: Option D is the accurate answer because the principal mineral of bones and teeth is calcium thus a lifelong adequate intake of it and physical activity can prevent age-related bone loss and fracture. 4. Foods high in iron that help prevent or treat anemia include: a. green peas and cheese. b. dairy foods and fresh fruits. c. homemade breads and most fresh vegetables. d. meat and dark green, leafy vegetables. ANSWER: D RATIO: Significant sources of iron are red meats, fish, poultry, shellfish, eggs, legumes,dried,fruits 5. A deficiency of is one of the world’s most common preventable causesof mental retardation. a. zinc b. iodine c. selenium d. magnesium ANSWER: B RATIO: Option B is the accurate answer because a severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy causes the extreme and irreversible mental and physical retardation known as cretinism