How are nutrients best defined?

Nutrients are best defined as substances your body needs to function because they are essential for various bodily processes. These include not only providing energy but also supporting growth, repairing tissues, and regulating bodily functions. Nutrients encompass a wide array of compounds, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, each playing unique and critical roles in maintaining health.

The other options are more limited in scope. Some only focus on energy provision or select types of nutrients. For instance, stating that nutrients are merely foods that provide energy restricts their definition, excluding crucial elements like vitamins and minerals that do not provide energy but are essential for metabolic processes and overall health. Similarly, defining nutrients as exclusively vitamins and minerals disregards macronutrients such as carbohydrates and proteins, which are vital for energy and structural components of the body. The idea of combining calories and proteins does not encompass the full range of nutrients, as it omits other significant nutrients like fats and various micronutrients. Thus, the broad and inclusive definition captures the critical importance of all nutrients in overall health and bodily function.