Which of the following does NOT describe a vitamin?

• A. A substance that the body may not be able to synthesize in adequate amounts and thus must be obtained from the diet
• B. A nutrient that provides significant energy (calories) when consumed
• C. An organic compound needed in small amounts for normal metabolism and health
• D. A compound that may act as a coenzyme or part of a coenzyme in chemical reactions

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of a vitamin. Vitamins are organic compounds that the body generally cannot synthesize in sufficient quantities and therefore must be obtained from the diet.
2. Step 2: Recognize that vitamins are needed in small amounts and play crucial roles in normal metabolism and maintaining health.
3. Step 3: Identify that many vitamins function as coenzymes or parts of coenzymes, which assist enzymes in catalyzing biochemical reactions.
4. Step 4: Recall that vitamins do NOT provide significant energy (calories) when consumed, unlike macronutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the statement describing a vitamin as 'a nutrient that provides significant energy (calories) when consumed' does NOT correctly describe a vitamin.