HOSA Clinical Nursing Assessment Practice Test

Vitamins and minerals are indeed the two micronutrients that are essential for good health in small amounts. Unlike macronutrients such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, which the body requires in larger quantities for energy and growth, micronutrients are needed in much smaller amounts but play critical roles in various bodily functions.

Vitamins are organic compounds that support immune function, energy production, and the synthesis of DNA, among other vital processes. Each vitamin has a specific role; for example, vitamin C is important for collagen synthesis and immune function, while B vitamins are crucial for energy metabolism.

Minerals, on the other hand, are inorganic substances that are vital for processes such as bone formation, nerve transmission, and muscle function. For example, calcium and phosphorus are essential for bone health, while iron is critical for the transport of oxygen in the blood.

In contrast, water and fiber, while important, do not classify as micronutrients; rather, they are considered essential for hydration and digestive health, respectively. Proteins and fats are macronutrients that are necessary in larger quantities for overall body function, and carbohydrates and sugars are primarily sources of energy and do not fit into the category of micronutrients either. Thus, the correct identification of vitamins