Essential nutrients are best described as nutrients that:

• A. are produced in excess by the body
• B. can be stored indefinitely in body tissues
• C. are only required during periods of rapid growth
• D. cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of essential nutrients: Essential nutrients are compounds that the body cannot synthesize on its own or in sufficient quantities. These must be obtained through the diet to maintain proper health and function.
2. Eliminate incorrect options: Analyze each provided option to determine if it aligns with the definition of essential nutrients. For example, 'produced in excess by the body' is incorrect because essential nutrients are not produced by the body.
3. Evaluate the storage claim: The option 'can be stored indefinitely in body tissues' is also incorrect because not all essential nutrients can be stored indefinitely (e.g., water-soluble vitamins like Vitamin C are not stored).
4. Consider growth-specific requirements: The option 'are only required during periods of rapid growth' is incorrect because essential nutrients are required throughout life, not just during growth phases.
5. Identify the correct answer: The correct option is 'cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet,' as it directly matches the definition of essential nutrients.