Which pair of micronutrients primarily supports antioxidant defense and energy metabolism respectively during exercise?

• A. Vitamins C and E support antioxidant defense; B vitamins support energy metabolism (ATP production).
• B. Selenium supports energy metabolism exclusively; vitamin B12 supports antioxidant defense because B12 neutralizes free radicals directly.
• C. Zinc supports antioxidant defense; Vitamin K supports energy metabolism because it activates ATP synthase.
• D. Iron supports antioxidant defense; calcium supports energy metabolism because they are interchangeable cofactors for mitochondrial enzymes.

Answer: (A)