What are considered micronutrients that do not provide energy?

Micronutrients are essential dietary components that include vitamins and minerals. They are termed "micro" because they are required in smaller quantities compared to macronutrients (such as fats, carbohydrates, and proteins) that provide energy to the body.

Vitamins play critical roles in bodily functions, such as supporting the immune system, aiding in cell repair, and facilitating metabolic processes, while minerals are vital for bone health, nerve function, and fluid balance. Despite their importance, neither vitamins nor minerals directly contribute calories or energy, which distinguishes them from macronutrients. Instead, they support various biochemical pathways that help the body utilize energy provided by macronutrients efficiently.

In contrast, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins are macronutrients that do provide energy; they are broken down during metabolism to release calories that the body uses for various activities and functions. Therefore, the correct identification of vitamins and minerals as the micronutrients that do not provide energy is fundamental in understanding nutritional science.