In human nutrition, which statement best defines a mineral?

• A. A type of dietary fiber that improves gastrointestinal motility and lowers blood cholesterol
• B. An inorganic element required in small amounts for normal body function that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet
• C. An organic compound that provides energy because it contains carbon-hydrogen bonds
• D. A calorie-free vitamin that functions primarily as a coenzyme in metabolism

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that minerals in human nutrition are essential nutrients required by the body in small amounts to maintain normal physiological functions.
2. Recognize that minerals are inorganic elements, meaning they do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds, distinguishing them from organic compounds like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
3. Note that minerals cannot be synthesized by the human body, so they must be obtained through the diet.
4. Differentiate minerals from dietary fiber, which is a type of carbohydrate that aids digestion but is not classified as a mineral.
5. Also distinguish minerals from vitamins, which are organic compounds often acting as coenzymes, whereas minerals are inorganic and have different roles in the body.