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Human physiology (nutrition): What is the principal physiological role of common salt (sodium chloride) in the diet related to digestion? Consider the function of chloride ions in gastric juice formation and normal digestive processes. Choose the correct option.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Produce, in small amounts, the hydrochloric acid required for digestion

Explanation:

Given data

  • Asked: the main physiological use of dietary salt in digestion.


Concept/Approach
Dietary NaCl supplies chloride ions, which parietal cells use to form hydrochloric acid (HCl) in gastric juice. HCl activates pepsinogen to pepsin and maintains acidic pH for protein digestion.


Eliminate distractors
• Taste/cooking/solubility are secondary or irrelevant to the physiological role in digestion.


Final Answer
Produce, in small amounts, the hydrochloric acid required for digestion

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