Which pair of minerals are both involved in energy metabolism?

• A. Zinc and Magnesium
• B. Calcium and Sodium
• C. Iron and Copper
• D. Potassium and Phosphorus

Answer: (A)

Energy production in cells relies on minerals acting as cofactors for enzymes that break down nutrients and transfer energy as ATP. Magnesium is essential because it forms the Mg-ATP complex and serves as a cofactor for enzymes in glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and ATP synthesis; without magnesium, these energy-related reactions slow down or stop. Zinc also helps a broad set of metabolic enzymes, supporting carbohydrate and fat metabolism and allowing these enzymes to operate efficiently to release energy. While other minerals support other roles like signaling or electrolyte balance, this pair directly underpins the chemistry that yields cellular energy.