Which of the following are micronutrients?

• A. Carbohydrates and proteins
• B. Vitamins and minerals
• C. Lipids and water
• D. Nucleic acids

Answer: (B)

Micronutrients are the nutrients we need in small amounts to regulate bodily processes, support metabolism, and keep systems like the immune and nervous systems functioning well. Vitamins and minerals fit this role because they act as cofactors for enzymes, help with energy production, bone health, and many other essential functions, even though we require them in only tiny quantities.

The other options don’t fit because they are macronutrients or non-nutrients. Carbohydrates and proteins provide most of our energy and building blocks in relatively large amounts, and lipids do as well. Water is essential for life, but it is not classified as a micronutrient. Nucleic acids are large biological molecules in cells, not nutrients we consume to meet daily micronutrient needs. Thus, vitamins and minerals are the true micronutrients.