Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

Which of the following categories of nutrients must be obtained through diet?

1. Macromolecules

2. Essential nutrients

3. Caloric nutrients

4. Minerals

The correct answer is: Essential nutrients

Essential nutrients refer to those nutrients that the body cannot synthesize on its own and must be obtained through the diet. These nutrients are crucial for various bodily functions, including growth, maintenance, and overall health. They include certain amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that play vital roles in processes like metabolism, immune response, and cellular repair. While macromolecules (which typically include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and minerals can also be significant for health, not all macromolecules are classified strictly as essential because the body can synthesize some of them depending on overall dietary intake. Likewise, minerals are indeed important, but the broader category of essential nutrients encompasses a wider range of dietary requirements, making it the most accurate choice for the question. Caloric nutrients primarily refer to food components that provide energy (calories), which can include both macromolecules and sometimes even alcohol. However, they do not specifically denote the necessity of being obtained solely through the diet, as some energy sources might be synthesized from other nutrients. Therefore, recognizing that essential nutrients must come from food highlights the importance of a balanced diet to ensure that all necessary components for proper bodily function are included.