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What is the primary role of vitamins and minerals in the human body?

  1. To provide essential calories

  2. To facilitate metabolic reactions

  3. To act as a primary source of energy

  4. To support cellular replication

The correct answer is: To facilitate metabolic reactions

The primary role of vitamins and minerals in the human body is to facilitate metabolic reactions. These nutrients are essential for various biochemical processes that occur within the body, including energy production, immune function, and the maintenance of healthy skin, bones, and muscle. They act as coenzymes and cofactors in metabolic pathways, meaning that they help enzymes function effectively in catalyzing reactions necessary for maintaining overall health. Vitamins and minerals do not provide calories, which distinguishes them from macronutrients such as fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, which are the body's primary sources of energy. While they do play a supportive role in energy metabolism, their main function is more about supporting the processes rather than serving as energy sources themselves. Additionally, while vitamins and minerals do contribute to cellular health and processes like replication, their fundamental role is centered around metabolic support rather than cellular replication specifically.