NTA Mineral Balance & Hydration — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which nutrients are key cofactors for proper calcium absorption and utilization?
- Vitamin D and magnesium (Correct answer)
- Vitamin C and iron
- Sodium and chloride
- Vitamin B12 and folate
Correct answer: Vitamin D and magnesium
Vitamin D increases intestinal calcium absorption, and magnesium is required for vitamin D activation and calcium regulation. Without these cofactors, calcium may not be used properly.
Question 2: Why is adequate stomach acid (HCl) important for mineral status?
- It neutralizes minerals so they can be excreted
- It ionizes minerals, which helps their absorption (Correct answer)
- It converts minerals into vitamins
- It has no effect on minerals
Correct answer: It ionizes minerals, which helps their absorption
An acidic stomach environment helps free and ionize minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc from food, making them absorbable. Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) is a common driver of mineral deficiency.
Question 3: Which hormone raises blood calcium by pulling calcium from bone when levels fall?
- Calcitonin
- Parathyroid hormone (PTH) (Correct answer)
- Aldosterone
- Glucagon
Correct answer: Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
PTH is secreted when blood calcium drops. It stimulates bone resorption, renal calcium reabsorption, and vitamin D activation. Calcitonin has the opposite effect.
Question 4: A common NTA hydration guideline is to drink roughly how much water daily?
- One gallon regardless of body size
- Half of body weight (in pounds) in ounces (Correct answer)
- Only when thirsty
- Two cups per meal
Correct answer: Half of body weight (in pounds) in ounces
The general guideline is half your body weight in pounds, expressed as ounces (for example, a 160 lb person drinks about 80 oz). Additional water is advised to offset dehydrating beverages.
Question 5: Which group of minerals functions primarily as electrolytes that regulate fluid balance and nerve conduction?
- Iron, zinc, copper
- Sodium, potassium, chloride (Correct answer)
- Selenium, iodine, chromium
- Boron, silicon, vanadium
Correct answer: Sodium, potassium, chloride
Sodium, potassium, and chloride carry electrical charge in body fluids. They drive fluid distribution, nerve impulses, and muscle contraction.
Question 6: How are caffeinated and alcoholic beverages typically handled in an NTA hydration plan?
- They count fully toward daily water intake
- They are considered dehydrating, so extra water is recommended (Correct answer)
- They replace the need for electrolytes
- They are encouraged to improve mineral absorption
Correct answer: They are considered dehydrating, so extra water is recommended
Caffeine and alcohol have diuretic effects. The NTA approach recommends adding extra water to compensate rather than counting them toward hydration.
