Vitamins and minerals are categorized asmicronutrientsbecause the body needs them insmall amountsto support essential functions, even though they donotprovide calories (energy). They play critical roles in maintaining normal growth, immune function, bone health, blood formation, nerve signaling, and metabolism. For example, vitamins such asA, C, D, E, K, and theB-complexhelp regulate processes like vision, collagen formation, calcium absorption, antioxidant defense, and energy metabolism. Minerals such ascalcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iodinesupport bone structure, oxygen transport, fluid balance, muscle contraction, enzyme activity, and thyroid function.
Micronutrients differ frommacronutrients(carbohydrates, fats, and proteins), which are needed in larger quantities and supply the body with energy and building materials. In a balanced diet, macronutrients provide fuel and tissue-building components, while micronutrients help the bodyuse that fuel effectivelyand keep organs and systems functioning properly.
The other options are not correct categories for vitamins and minerals.Antioxidantsdescribe substances that help protect cells from oxidative damage; some vitamins (like C and E) act as antioxidants, but not all vitamins and minerals are classified that way.Essential amino acidsare the building blocks of protein that must come from food; they are not vitamins or minerals. Therefore, “micronutrients” is the broad, accurate classification that includes both vitamins and minerals, highlighting their importance despite the small amounts required.
