Quiz – Know Deficiencies
Along with marshmallows and cartoon characters, kids’ cereals always feature their “essential vitamins and minerals!” on the box. But it’s not just hype—many vitamins and minerals truly are essential to our body’s health and function. If we have a deficiency in one, it can lead to a variety of mild to severe health issues. On the other hand, too much is not healthy either, so always talk to your doctor before starting any supplements. Learn more by taking our quiz:
1. The deficiency of vitamin A is leading cause of _____ in children across the globe.
A. Frail or soft bones
B. Weakened immunity
C. Blindness
D. Cracked skin
2. Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps the way more than 300 enzymes work in the body.
A. True
B. False
3. Iron is a mineral needed for red blood cells to form. A lack of iron can lead to anemia, in which there aren’t enough red blood cells to adequately carry oxygen to all parts of the body. A symptom of anemia is ____.
A. Weakness or fatigue
B. Pale-colored skin
C. Shortness of breath
D. Headache
E. All of the above
4. Calcium is a very important mineral for bone health as well as muscle and nerve function. But it also can interact with some prescription medications and even limit the absorption of other important minerals like iron.
A. True
B. False
5. A vitamin B-12 supplement may be needed for _____.
A. Vegans
B. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
C. People over 60
D. All of the above
6. Taking vitamin C regularly can prevent colds.
A. True
B. False
Answers:
1. C. Blindness. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to an ulceration of the cornea, called xerophthalmia, that can cause permanent blindness. Good food sources of vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
2. A. True. Magnesium is needed for nerve and muscle activity, and converts protein, carbs, and lipids into energy. It is often used in antacids and laxatives. Magnesium is found is many foods, but certain conditions may call for supplements, such as diabetes or kidney disease.
3. E. All of the above. Please note: patients needing iron supplements for anemia should always store them safely away from children. High doses are toxic and could lead to accidental poisoning.
4. A. True. There are different types of calcium supplements, so talk with your doctor about any other medications or supplements you may already be taking before adding calcium.
5. D. All of the above. Vitamin B-12 is only found in animal products such as meat and dairy (but it is added to breakfast cereals). Also, vitamin B-12 absorption in the intestinal tract may decrease with aging.
6. B. False. Having a diet high in vitamin C or taking vitamin C supplements regularly doesn’t prevent colds, however it has shown to lessen the symptoms of a cold. Oranges are a well-known food source, but broccoli and cauliflower also have vitamin C.
Source: The Health Library