Which nutrient category accounts for 50-60% of body weight and is necessary for normal body function?

• A. Water
• B. Vitamins
• C. Minerals
• D. Proteins

Answer: (A)

Water makes up roughly half to sixty percent of an adult’s body weight and is essential for normal body function. It serves as the medium for nearly all bodily reactions, carries nutrients and wastes in blood and other fluids, aids digestion and absorption, and helps regulate temperature through sweating and evaporation. It also cushions joints and protects tissues, and it helps maintain the volume of blood and bodily fluids. About two-thirds of body water is inside cells (intracellular fluid) and the rest is outside cells (extracellular fluid), including the blood plasma and interstitial spaces. Because of its central role in hydration, metabolism, transport, and temperature control, water is the nutrient category that best fits the statement. Vitamins and minerals are needed in much smaller amounts and support metabolism, while proteins contribute to structure and function but do not comprise the majority of body weight.