What is the substance in food called?

November 18, 2025 •

4 min read

There are over 40 different kinds of nutrients found in food, including carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. So, what is the substance in food called? The answer is "nutrients," and they are the chemical compounds your body needs to function properly.

Quick Summary

Foods are composed of nutrients, the vital chemical compounds your body needs for energy, growth, and tissue repair. These include macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and micronutrients like vitamins and minerals.

Key Points

Nutrients are the core substances: All living organisms need chemical compounds called nutrients from food to get energy, grow, and repair tissues.
Macronutrients provide energy and structure: Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are macronutrients required in larger amounts for energy and building body tissues.
Micronutrients regulate body processes: Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients needed in smaller quantities to regulate metabolic activities and support immune function.
Beyond traditional nutrients: Water, dietary fiber, and phytochemicals are also critical components of food, supporting hydration, digestion, and providing health benefits.
A balanced diet is key: Consuming a variety of foods ensures an adequate intake of all necessary macronutrients and micronutrients, preventing deficiencies and promoting overall health.

Understanding the Concept of Nutrients

Nutrients are chemical compounds found in food that are essential for our body's basic functions, including growth, tissue repair, and metabolism. The human body cannot produce these substances in sufficient quantities, making dietary intake crucial. Nutrition science divides these essential substances into two primary categories: macronutrients and micronutrients.

The Major Roles of Macronutrients

Macronutrients are consumed in larger quantities by the body and provide the bulk of our energy in the form of calories. They also serve as the building blocks for bodily structures and are vital for numerous physiological processes. The three main types of macronutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are the body's primary source of energy. The digestive system breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which fuels cells, tissues, and organs. They are classified into simple carbohydrates (sugars) and complex carbohydrates (starches and fiber).

Simple carbs: Found in fruits, milk, and added sugars, they offer quick energy.
Complex carbs: Present in whole grains, starchy vegetables, and legumes, they provide sustained energy.
Fiber: A type of complex carb found in plants that is indigestible but crucial for digestive health.

Proteins Proteins are the building blocks of the body, necessary for building and repairing tissues, muscles, and skin. Composed of amino acids, proteins are essential for producing enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals.

Sources include meat, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, and legumes.
The body does not store protein, so a daily intake is necessary.

Fats (Lipids) Dietary fats are an essential part of a healthy diet, providing a concentrated source of energy. They help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), protect vital organs, and aid in cellular function.

Unsaturated fats: Considered healthier, found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.
Saturated fats: Found in animal products and some oils, should be consumed in moderation.

The Importance of Micronutrients

Micronutrients are required in much smaller amounts than macronutrients, but their impact on health is equally critical. This category includes all the essential vitamins and minerals.

Vitamins Vitamins are organic compounds that help regulate body processes, such as supporting immune function, vision, and energy production. They are classified as either fat-soluble or water-soluble.

Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K): Stored in the body's fatty tissue and liver.
Water-soluble vitamins (B-complex, C): Not stored in the body and need to be replenished regularly.

Minerals Minerals are inorganic elements from the soil and water that are absorbed by plants and animals. They are crucial for countless functions, including bone health, fluid balance, and nerve transmission.

Macrominerals: Needed in larger quantities, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium.
Trace minerals: Needed in smaller quantities, including iron, zinc, and iodine.

Beyond Nutrients: Other Food Components

In addition to the core nutrients, food contains other beneficial substances that support health.

Water: The most abundant substance in the human body, vital for transporting nutrients, regulating temperature, and carrying out metabolic reactions.
Dietary Fiber (Roughage): The indigestible part of plant foods that aids digestion and promotes gastrointestinal health.
Phytochemicals: Bioactive chemical compounds found naturally in plants, many of which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These are not considered essential for survival but can offer protective effects against chronic diseases.

Comparison of Nutrient Classes


Feature	Macronutrients	Micronutrients
Quantity Needed	Large amounts (grams)	Small amounts (milligrams/micrograms)
Energy Provided	Yes (Carbs, Proteins, Fats)	No (but aid energy metabolism)
Types	Carbohydrates, Proteins, Fats, Water	Vitamins, Minerals
Primary Function	Energy supply, structure, growth	Regulation of body processes
Sources	Grains, meat, oils, dairy	Fruits, vegetables, dairy, fortified foods

Optimizing Your Nutrient Intake

To ensure your body gets all the substances it needs to thrive, focus on consuming a balanced diet rich in a variety of whole foods. A diverse intake of colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats will provide the full spectrum of macronutrients, micronutrients, and beneficial phytochemicals. The World Health Organization provides nutrition strategies for public health that emphasize the importance of diverse diets for preventing deficiencies. Incorporating whole foods and minimizing processed items can help ensure a steady supply of these vital compounds. Ultimately, understanding the different substances in food empowers you to make informed decisions for better health and well-being.

Conclusion

In summary, the substances in food are broadly termed nutrients, which are essential for every bodily function. These are divided into macronutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—which provide energy and building blocks, and micronutrients—vitamins and minerals—which regulate vital processes. Alongside water and fiber, these substances work synergistically to support growth, health, and a properly functioning metabolism. Eating a varied and balanced diet is the most effective way to ensure your body receives all the necessary components for optimal health.

Frequently Asked Questions

A nutrient is a specific chemical compound within food that the body uses for health and function, such as protein or Vitamin C. A food substance is a broader term that encompasses nutrients as well as non-nutritive components like fiber and phytochemicals.

No, a single food does not contain all the different types of nutrients your body needs. A balanced diet with a wide variety of foods from all major food groups is necessary to ensure adequate intake of all essential nutrients.

Phytochemicals are chemical compounds produced by plants, often providing health benefits like antioxidant properties. They are not considered essential nutrients because they are not required for survival, but they can support wellness.

Water is sometimes grouped with macronutrients because the body requires it in large quantities. However, unlike the other macronutrients (carbs, proteins, fats), water does not provide calories or energy.

Neither is more important than the other, as both vitamins and minerals are vital micronutrients essential for proper bodily function. They work together in various metabolic processes to maintain overall health.

While carbohydrates, proteins, and fats all provide calories and thus energy, water, which is sometimes categorized as a macronutrient, does not supply energy. Carbohydrates are the body's preferred energy source.

Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are absorbed with the help of fat and can be stored in the body's fatty tissues. Water-soluble vitamins (B-complex and C) dissolve in water and are not stored in the body for long, so they need to be consumed frequently.