Why are vitamins considered essential nutrients?

Vitamins are considered essential nutrients primarily because they are necessary for various biochemical functions in the body and are not produced in sufficient quantities on their own. Each vitamin plays a specific role in maintaining health, supporting processes such as metabolism, immunity, and cell and tissue repair. When vitamins are in short supply, it can lead to deficiencies that may result in a range of health issues.

The body relies on dietary sources to obtain these vitamins, as it cannot synthesize them adequately. For example, vitamin C must be obtained from fruits and vegetables, while B vitamins are essential for energy production and the creation of red blood cells. This underscores the importance of a balanced diet to ensure that all essential vitamins are consumed to support optimal health. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the critical nature of vitamins as non-caloric nutrients that facilitate vital bodily functions.