Minerals are an example of which category of nutrients?

• A. Organic compounds
• B. Inorganic nutrients
• C. Vitamins
• D. Hormones

Answer: (B)

Minerals are inorganic nutrients because they are simple elements or mineral compounds that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds. They come from the earth and foods, and are required by the body for structure and function, such as calcium for bones and iron for carrying oxygen in blood. Organic nutrients, by contrast, contain carbon and include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vitamins. Vitamins are carbon-containing organic molecules, while hormones are signaling substances produced by glands and not nutrients in the dietary sense. So minerals fit the inorganic nutrients category.