ISSA Nutritionist Practice Exam

Together, sodium, chloride, and potassium are known as what category of minerals?

1. Trace minerals

2. Electrolytes

3. Major minerals

4. Micro minerals

The correct answer is: Electrolytes

Sodium, chloride, and potassium are classified as electrolytes because they are essential minerals that carry an electric charge and are crucial for various physiological functions in the body. These electrolytes play a significant role in regulating fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signaling. Electrolytes help maintain homeostasis by controlling the balance of fluids between the intracellular and extracellular environments. For instance, sodium is primarily found in extracellular fluid, while potassium is predominantly located inside the cells. The balance between these electrolytes is vital for muscle function, including the heart, and for maintaining proper blood pressure levels. The other categories of minerals, such as major minerals or trace minerals, do not encompass the specific roles and functions associated with sodium, chloride, and potassium. Major minerals generally refer to minerals that are required in larger amounts (such as calcium and magnesium), while trace minerals are needed in smaller quantities (like iron or zinc). Thus, the correct identification as electrolytes is based on their unique properties and critical responsibilities within bodily systems.