Final answer:
Based on the dietary habits of the obese 12-year-old patient with a high intake of sugary drinks and a lack of calcium-rich foods, it is reasonable to conclude she may be deficient in calcium, an essential mineral for bone health during adolescence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question pertains to the mineral deficiencies that may be present in a 12-year-old female with a dietary history significant for excessive consumption of soda, juice, and chocolate milk. Based on the provided information, including that females aged 11 years and older generally do not get enough calcium, it is highly likely that the patient could be deficient in calcium. Calcium is essential for adolescents, especially to build strong bones during the peak years of bone density development.
Considering that this patient consumes a large quantity of sugar-sweetened beverages and not calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, yogurt, or green, leafy vegetables, it's reasonable to suggest that she is not meeting the recommended daily amount of calcium for her age group, which is 1,200 milligrams. Instead, her diet includes beverages that typically do not provide essential nutrients and may even displace healthier options that contain calcium. Therefore, answer 1: Calcium, is the mineral that the patient is likely deficient in.