Which minerals are classified as trace minerals?

• A. Calcium, Chloride, Magnesium, Phosphorus
• B. Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride
• C. Iron, Zinc, Iodine, Selenium, Copper, Manganese, Fluoride, Chromium, Molybdenum, Arsenic, Nickel, Silicon, Boron and Cobalt
• D. Iron, Zinc, Copper, and Manganese

Answer: (C)

Trace minerals are minerals required in much smaller amounts than the major minerals, typically less than 100 mg per day. This small-amount category includes iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, copper, manganese, fluoride, chromium, molybdenum, cobalt, nickel, silicon, boron, and sometimes arsenic depending on the reference. The other options list minerals that are major minerals (needed in larger amounts), such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride, or they provide only a partial subset of trace minerals. Therefore, the broad list of minerals typically regarded as trace minerals best fits the concept, making it the correct choice.