Which of the following is considered a macronutrient?

Fats are classified as a macronutrient because they are one of the primary sources of energy for the body and are essential for various physiological functions. Macronutrients are nutrients that provide calories or energy and are required in larger amounts to support growth, metabolism, and other bodily functions. The three main categories of macronutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Fats play crucial roles beyond just energy provision; they are important for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), provide essential fatty acids that the body cannot synthesize, and are involved in hormone production and cellular structure integrity.

While vitamins and minerals are vital for health and play important roles in bodily functions, they are categorized as micronutrients because they are needed in smaller amounts compared to macronutrients. Water, while absolutely essential for life, does not provide calories and is therefore not classified as a macronutrient.