A morbidly obese 12-year-old female is evaluated for sleep apnea. Her diet includes soda, juice, and chocolate milk daily. In which mineral may she be deficient?

• A. Calcium
• B. Phosphorus
• C. Selenium
• D. Potassium

Answer: (A)

High phosphate intake from cola beverages can disrupt calcium balance in a growing child. Phosphoric acid in soda increases dietary phosphorus, which can hinder calcium absorption in the gut and promote calcium loss from bone. If a large portion of the diet comes from soda and other sugar drinks with only modest calcium sources (even when chocolate milk is present), the calcium supply may be insufficient for ongoing growth, making calcium deficiency the most likely issue. Selenium and potassium deficiencies aren’t specifically implied by this dietary pattern, and phosphorus is typically abundant in this scenario rather than deficient.