Why is water considered essential and required in greater amounts than other nutrients despite not providing energy?

• A. Because water is stored in large fat depots and is required to oxidize lipids for energy
• B. Because water acts as a macronutrient that provides building blocks for proteins and carbohydrates
• C. Because water is necessary for nearly all physiological processes including solvent functions, temperature regulation, transport, and biochemical reactions
• D. Because water can be metabolized to yield ATP and therefore must be consumed in large quantities to meet energy needs

Answer: (C)