Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What distinguishes essential nutrients from nonessential nutrients?

1. Essential nutrients can be produced by the body.

2. Nonessential nutrients must be supplied in the diet.

3. Essential nutrients cannot be produced by the body and must be supplied in the diet.

4. Nonessential nutrients provide energy.

The correct answer is: Essential nutrients cannot be produced by the body and must be supplied in the diet.

Essential nutrients are defined as those that cannot be synthesized by the body and, therefore, must be obtained through the diet. This classification emphasizes the necessity of these nutrients in maintaining health and supporting various physiological functions. Essential nutrients include certain amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that the body relies on to perform critical biological processes. In contrast, nonessential nutrients are those that the body can produce on its own, even if they are also available from dietary sources. While nonessential nutrients can contribute to overall health and can provide energy, they are not necessary to be consumed in the diet since the body can manufacture them as needed. Thus, understanding the distinction between essential and nonessential nutrients is crucial for grasping nutritional science and diet planning, particularly in a context where reducing dietary deficiencies is paramount for optimal health in organisms, including laboratory animals.