Nutrients: Definition, Examples, Meaning, Vitamins, Minerals, Macronutrients

What Are Nutrients?

Nutrients are chemical substances which an organism consumes and assimilates or absorbs, and which it requires to keep up the normal activities of its body. They participate in various cellular activities of the body, provide energy, repair tissues, and regulate body processes. Nutrients promote body growth, boost the immune system, and control the metabolism process in the body.

Types of Nutrients

Nutrients are categorized into two major classes: macronutrients and micronutrients.

• Macronutrients: These are required in large quantities and include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

• Micronutrients: Needed in smaller amounts, such as vitamins and minerals

Macronutrients

Macronutrients make up the bulk of energy needs and are needed in greater amounts, primarily providing energy to the human body.

Carbohydrates

• They are considered the major energy source of the body.

• They exist in the form of sugar, a simple carbohydrate (fruits) or complex forms (starches and fibres in cereal and vegetables).

Proteins

• These are for building and repairing tissue of paramount importance.

• They are composed of amino acids.

• Found in various animal and plant sources, like fish, dairy products, beans, and nuts.

Fats

• Concentrated source of energy

• Form plasma membranes and give energy and organ insulation. T

• The types of fats include the following:

1. Saturated Fats: Found in animal products and some plant oils.

2. Unsaturated Fats: Found in nuts, seeds, fish and in vegetable oils and consists of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

3. Trans Fats: Found in processed foods and associated with developing heart diseases.

Micronutrients

Micronutrients also have critical functions in the body, but their daily requirements are lower.

Vitamins

• Assure immune function, production of energy, and help maintain healthy bones.

• They derive from fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and meat.

Minerals

• They support the health of bones, muscle functioning, and nerve signalling.

• This includes calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc, attained from leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, and from animal products such as red meat.

Important Nutrients in Food

Some of the important nutrients in food are:

Calcium

• Needed by the body to keep the bones and muscles healthy.

• Found in foods such as milk and other dairy products, green leafy vegetables, fortified foods, almonds, and sesame seeds.

• Plays a very vital role in the formation and development of healthy and strong bones and teeth. It helps in the adaptation of nerves, muscle contraction, and blood clotting.

Cholesterol

• A form of fat that floats around in your blood.

• Forms cell membrane, synthesis of hormones, vitamin D and bile acids.

Iron

• Essential for the production of blood.

• Derived from red meat, beans, fortified cereals, spinach, tofu, and lentils.

• Binds to haemoglobin in red blood cells, which transports oxygen to different parts of a person's body.

• In addition, it helps in energy metabolism and cognitive function.

Sodium

• Essential electrolyte found in table salt and processed foods.

• Involved in fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions

• Impacts blood pressure and volume.

Functions of Nutrients

Nutrients have diverse functions in supporting health. Some of the major ones are discussed below:

Energy Production

Carbohydrates and fats are the primary energy-providing macronutrients. Proteins can also be mobilized to provide energy when necessary.

Growth and Repair

Proteins are involved in the building and repair of tissues. Vitamins and minerals support the growth and regeneration of cells.

Regulation of Body Processes

Vitamins and minerals help regulate several activities, such as immune functions, bone metabolism, and blood coagulation. Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium participate in fluid balance and nerve functions.

Nutrients NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

Important questions asked in NEET from this topic are:

• Types of nutrients
• Important nutrients and their sources

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. Meat, whole grains, nuts and legumes are natural sources of

1. Potassium

2. Selenium

3. Sodium

4. Zinc

Correct answer: 4) Zinc

Explanation:

Meat, whole grains, nuts, and legumes are natural sources of zinc. Meat, whole grains, nuts, and legumes are natural sources of zinc. Zinc is an essential trace mineral that supports immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. It also plays a critical role in cell division and growth. Regular intake of zinc-rich foods helps maintain healthy skin, hair, and overall metabolism.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Zinc.

Q2. Two vitamins, one is used to make visual pigment and is obtained from orange and yellow fruits while the other is used in collagen synthesis and is obtained from fresh fruits and vegetables. These two vitamins respectively are

1. Vitamin A and C

2. Vitamin C and D

3. Vitamin D and E

4. Vitamin A and B

Correct answer: 1) Vitamin A and C

Explanation:

Vitamin A is used to make visual pigment and is obtained from orange and yellow fruits while Vitamin C is used in collagen synthesis and is obtained from fresh fruits and vegetables. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in vision by forming visual pigments like rhodopsin, essential for low-light and color vision. It also supports immune function, skin health, and cellular communication. Orange and yellow fruits, such as carrots and mangoes, are rich sources of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. Vitamin C, on the other hand, is vital for collagen synthesis, wound healing, and antioxidant defense. It is abundantly found in citrus fruits, berries, and green leafy vegetables, supporting overall health and immunity.

Hence, the correct answer is option 1) Vitamin A and C.

Q3. Which of the following shows a pair of Proximate and Protective principles of food?

1. Water and minerals

2. Proteins and lipids

3. Lipids and minerals

4. Vitamins and carbohydrates

Correct answer: 3) Proximate and Protective Principles

Explanation:

Carbohydrates, lipids and proteins are Proximate principles as these constitute energy sources. Minerals, Vitamins and H2O are Protective principles. Proximate principles provide the necessary fuel for metabolic work of the following shows a pair of Proximate and Protectitve principles of food?ctivities and bodily functions. Carbohydrates serve as the primary energy source, while lipids offer long-term energy storage. Proteins contribute to tissue growth, repair, and enzymatic activities. Protective principles, including minerals and vitamins, support physiological processes and immunity. Water is essential for biochemical reactions, temperature regulation, and nutrient transport. Both proximate and protective principles are crucial for maintaining overall health and homeostasis.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3) Proximate and Protective Principles.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Types and Functions of Nutrients

• Alimentary Canal

• Salivary Glands