Vitamins and minerals are categorized as which type of nutrient?

Vitamins and minerals are categorized as micronutrients. Micronutrients are essential nutrients required by the body in smaller amounts compared to macronutrients, which include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Vitamins are organic compounds that facilitate various biochemical functions within the body, such as supporting the immune system, aiding in energy production, and contributing to the health of skin and bones. Minerals, on the other hand, are inorganic elements that play crucial roles in processes like bone formation, fluid balance, and nerve signaling.

Understanding the distinction between micronutrients and macronutrients is key in nutrition because, despite needing smaller quantities of micronutrients, they are vital for growth, disease prevention, and overall well-being. The other options—macronutrients, proteins, and carbohydrates—refer to the larger nutrient categories required in higher amounts for energy and structural functions, thus differentiating them from the role and quantity of vitamins and minerals in the diet.