Did you know that micronutrient deficiencies affect billions of people worldwide? Micronutrients, also called vitamins and minerals, are an important part of adequate nutrition. There are six essential micronutrients, and they are essential for healthy development, disease prevention, and overall well-being, and they must be gained through diet or by taking vitamins. Take our quiz on micronutrient nutrition to ensure you’re getting all the micronutrients you need!
1.) Iron is important in the diet for which of the following reasons?
- It is critical for motor development.
- It combats anemia, which is defined as low hemoglobin concentration.
- It affects learning ability and cognitive development.
- It is important for the wellbeing of pregnant women and their unborn babies.
- All of the above
2.) Which group is a good source of iron?
- Meat and eggs
- Wholegrain cereals and bread
- Spinach
- White beans
- All of the above
3.) True or false? Vitamin A supports healthy eyesight and immune system functions.
4.) Which of the following is NOT a good source of vitamin A?
- Dairy
- Liver and fish
- Nuts and seeds
- Vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach
5.) What are the health functions of vitamin D?
- Building healthy bones
- It’s necessary for muscle and nerve functions
- It helps the immune system resist bacteria and viruses
- It combats vitamin D deficiency, which causes bone diseases like rickets and osteomalacia
- All of the above
6.) True or false? In addition to fortified milk, fish oil, and mushrooms, vitamin D can be created by being in the sunlight, as the body can make it from direct sunlight.
7.) Which of the following is NOT a function of iodine, one of the six essential micronutrients?
- It assists in thyroid regulation
- It fortifies other minerals
- It’s required during pregnancy and infancy for the infant’s healthy growth and cognitive development
- None of the above
8.) Since iodine content in most foods and beverages is low, though it can be found in seaweed, cod fish, and yogurt, iodine is added to what common food?
- Salt
- Milk
- Bread
- Sugar
9.) Folate, also a form of vitamin B9, is necessary for which of the following?
- It’s vital to brain development
- It’s essential in the early development of fetal growth and in preventing neural tube defects
- It’s an important part of muscle development
- It aids in heart health
10.) What are good sources of folate?
- Beef and liver
- Black-eyed peas
- Spinach and asparagus
- All of the above
11.) Why is zinc important in the diet?
- It promotes immune functions and helps the body resist infectious diseases
- It’s needed for healthy pregnancies
- It reduces the incidence of premature birth
- It increases growth and weight gain among infants and young children
- All of the above
12.) Which of the following is NOT a good source of zinc?
- Oysters
- Crab
- Chickpeas
- Dairy
13.) True or false? Taking vitamin supplements is as good as getting vitamins and minerals through foods.
compiled by ERIKA ALDRICH / information provided by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
ANSWERS
- E. All of the above
- E. All of the above
- True. Vitamin A is important for healthy eyesight and immune system functions.
- C. Nuts and seeds. All the rest are good sources of vitamin A.
- E. All of the above
- True. About 10 minutes of sunlight a few times a week is sufficient, though you can get enough vitamin D through food and supplements.
- B. It fortifies other minerals. All the rest are health functions of iodine.
- A. Salt. Iodine is added to common table salt.
- B. It’s essential in the early development of fetal growth and in preventing neural tube defects. Folate is most important for preventing birth defects and promoting healthy fetal growth.
- D. All of the above
- E. All of the above
- D. Dairy. All the rest are good sources of zinc.
- False. While vitamin supplements can be helpful, the best source of micronutrients is through food.