Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered a nutrient component of food?

1. Carbohydrates

2. Vitamins

3. Water

4. Fats

The correct answer is: Water

Water is often considered essential for life and plays a critical role in various physiological processes, but it is not classified as a nutrient in the same way as carbohydrates, vitamins, and fats. Nutrients are typically defined as substances that provide nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life. Carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins are classified as nutrients because they provide energy or essential compounds that the body cannot synthesize on its own. Carbohydrates and fats contribute to caloric intake and energy supply, while vitamins are crucial for metabolic functions and preventing deficiencies. Water, while vital for hydration and cellular function, does not provide energy or specific nutrients in the traditional sense. It acts more as a facilitator for biochemical processes and as a medium for transporting nutrients throughout the body. This distinction is the reason water is viewed differently from the other options.