In children with high juice, soda, and sweetened beverage intake, which minerals are at risk for deficiency due to displacement of bone-promoting beverages?

• A. Iron and Zinc
• B. Magnesium and Calcium
• C. Potassium and Sodium
• D. Iodine and Fluoride

Answer: (B)

When children replace milk or other calcium- and magnesium-rich beverages with juice, soda, and sweetened drinks, their intake of minerals that support bone development drops. Calcium is the primary mineral in bone, essential for bone density and growth, while magnesium helps form the bone matrix and supports enzymes and hormonal regulation involved in bone formation. If these minerals are consumed less, deficiency risks rise, potentially impacting bone health as children grow.

Iron and zinc come from a variety of foods and are more tied to growth, immunity, and development rather than directly to bone mineralization. Potassium and sodium are electrolytes with roles in fluid balance and nerve function, not specifically bone-building beverages. Iodine and fluoride have other important roles (thyroid function and dental health, respectively) and are not the minerals most at risk from displacing bone-promoting drinks. Therefore, calcium and magnesium are the minerals most likely to be deficient in this scenario.