Which mineral should be fed in larger amounts?

• A. Calcium
• B. Phosphorus
• C. Sodium
• D. Magnesium

Answer: (A)

The question is about how mineral needs differ in amount within the diet. Among minerals, calcium is required in the largest quantities because it’s essential for bone and teeth development and maintenance, supports milk production in lactating animals, and plays a key role in muscle function and metabolic processes. Because of these broad, high-demand roles, dietary calcium is typically higher than other minerals like phosphorus, sodium, or magnesium. Phosphorus is important and closely linked to calcium for bone health, but its required amount is usually less than calcium’s. Sodium is needed for fluid balance and nerve function, often supplied as salt, but not in as large an amount as calcium. Magnesium is important as a cofactor in many enzymes, but its overall dietary requirement is smaller than calcium’s. So calcium should be fed in larger amounts.