In a morbidly obese 12-year-old who drinks soda, juice, and chocolate milk daily, in which mineral may she be deficient?

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

Answer: (A)

Calcium balance is a key nutrient consideration for growing children, especially during adolescence when bone mineralization is rapid. Regular cola beverages contain phosphoric acid, which contributes a large phosphate load that can interfere with calcium balance—either by reducing calcium absorption in the gut or increasing calcium loss in urine. If dairy is being displaced by soda and juice, total calcium intake may fall toward inadequate levels, even if some calcium comes from chocolate milk. In this pattern, calcium is the mineral most likely to be deficient and to impact bone health over time.

Phosphorus itself is not typically deficient; it’s abundant in many foods and drinks, including cola, so the issue is more about calcium balance. Selenium and potassium deficiencies aren’t specifically linked to this beverage pattern in the same way calcium deficiency is.