What are the two categories of minerals?

• A. Major and Trace
• B. Essential and Nonessential
• C. Primary and Secondary
• D. Macro and Micro

Answer: (A)

Minerals are grouped by how much the body needs daily into two categories: major minerals (macrominerals) and trace minerals (microminerals). This distinction is based on intake requirements—major minerals are needed in larger amounts (typically more than about 100 mg per day), while trace minerals are required in much smaller amounts (often less than 100 mg per day). This framework helps clinicians and students think about dietary adequacy and potential supplementation. Examples of major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, and sulfur; examples of trace minerals include iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, selenium, and chromium. While some texts also use macro and micro to describe the same idea, the commonly tested pairing is major and trace, which is why that option is the best fit.