Which category includes vitamins and minerals?

• A. Micronutrients
• B. Macronutrients
• C. Energy-yielding nutrients
• D. Water

Answer: (A)

Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients. They’re required in small amounts and do not provide calories, yet they’re essential for virtually every body function, including metabolism, energy production, tissue formation, and immune defense. Vitamins come in two broad groups—water-soluble (like vitamin C and B vitamins) and fat-soluble (like vitamins A, D, E, and K). Minerals are split into major minerals (needed in larger amounts, such as calcium and potassium) and trace minerals (needed in smaller amounts, such as iron and zinc). This contrasts with macronutrients, which are needed in larger amounts and supply energy (carbohydrates, proteins, fats), and with water, which is essential but not a category that includes vitamins and minerals.