Which of the following are not major nutrients? A comprehensive nutrition guide

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

The human body requires a multitude of nutrients to function properly, but they are categorized based on the quantity needed. To correctly answer the question, "Which of the following are not major nutrients?", you must first understand the fundamental distinction between macronutrients and micronutrients.

Quick Summary

An essential guide to nutrition, explaining the difference between macronutrients (proteins, carbs, fats) and non-major nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.

Key Points

Macronutrients vs. Micronutrients: The major nutrients (macronutrients) are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, needed in large amounts for energy, while micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) are required in smaller quantities to regulate body functions.
Definition of Major Nutrients: Major nutrients are defined by the large quantities in which they are needed and their role in providing energy (calories) and building materials for the body.
Not Major Nutrients: Vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and phytochemicals are not considered major nutrients, but they are all essential for various aspects of health.
Dietary Fiber's Role: Dietary fiber is a non-digestible carbohydrate critical for maintaining digestive health and regulating blood sugar, and is not a source of calories.
Phytochemicals: These plant-based compounds are non-nutritive but provide significant health benefits, such as antioxidant properties, without being classified as essential nutrients.
Balanced Intake: A balanced diet requires a mix of both major and non-major nutrients to support energy needs, regulate body processes, and promote long-term wellness.

Defining Major Nutrients: The Macronutrients

Major nutrients, also known as macronutrients, are those required by the body in large quantities, typically measured in grams. They provide the primary sources of energy (calories) and are the building blocks for bodily tissues and structures. There are three primary types of macronutrients:

Carbohydrates

As the body's main energy source, carbohydrates are crucial for fuelling daily activities and are the brain's preferred fuel source.

Simple Carbohydrates: Found in sugars, providing quick energy.
Complex Carbohydrates: Found in starches and fiber, providing sustained energy and nutrients.

Proteins

Proteins are essential for building, maintaining, and repairing tissues in the body, from muscles to organs.

Amino Acids: The building blocks of protein, some of which are essential and must be obtained from the diet.
Enzymes and Hormones: Many hormones and enzymes, which regulate bodily processes, are proteins.

Fats (Lipids)

Fats serve as a concentrated energy source and are necessary for cellular function, hormone production, and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).

Saturated and Unsaturated Fats: Different types of fats have varying impacts on health, with unsaturated fats generally being the healthier choice.
Essential Fatty Acids: Some fats, like omega-3s, cannot be produced by the body and are vital for health.

Which of the Following Are Not Major Nutrients? The Micronutrients

Answering "Which of the following are not major nutrients?" requires understanding the micronutrients. Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals and are required in much smaller quantities (milligrams or micrograms), hence the name "micro". While not providing energy directly, they are vital for regulating virtually all bodily processes.

Vitamins

Vitamins are organic compounds essential for regulating metabolism, growth, and development. They are categorized as either fat-soluble or water-soluble.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E, and K are stored in the body's fatty tissues and liver.
Water-Soluble Vitamins: Includes Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins, which the body does not store and must be consumed regularly.

Minerals

Minerals are inorganic elements that play crucial roles in everything from bone health to fluid balance and nerve function.

Macrominerals: Needed in larger amounts than trace minerals and include calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Trace Minerals: Needed in very small amounts, including iron, zinc, and iodine.

Non-Nutritive Components: Fiber and Phytochemicals

Beyond the major and minor nutrients, other vital compounds exist that don't fit into these categories. These are critical to overall health but are not major nutrients.

Dietary Fiber

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the human body cannot digest. It passes through the digestive system relatively intact, adding bulk to stool and promoting bowel regularity. Fiber is not a major nutrient because it does not provide calories or energy, but its role in digestive health is invaluable.

Soluble Fiber: Dissolves in water, forming a gel that can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar.
Insoluble Fiber: Does not dissolve in water and helps move food through the digestive system.

Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are chemical compounds produced by plants that have protective or disease-preventing effects, but are not essential for survival. They are a classic example of something beneficial that is not a major nutrient.

Antioxidants: Many phytochemicals function as antioxidants, helping protect the body's cells from oxidative damage.
Sources: Abundant in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, providing many of the health benefits associated with a plant-rich diet.

Comparison of Major Nutrients and Non-Major Nutrients


Feature	Macronutrients	Micronutrients	Non-Nutritive Components
Amount Required	Large amounts (grams)	Small amounts (milligrams/micrograms)	Variable, but not required for survival
Energy (Calories)	Provides energy (calories)	Does not provide energy (calories)	Does not provide energy (calories)
Primary Function	Energy, structure, and building blocks	Regulates bodily processes and metabolism	Digestive health, disease prevention
Examples	Carbohydrates, Proteins, Fats	Vitamins (A, C, D), Minerals (Iron, Calcium)	Dietary Fiber, Phytochemicals
Best Sources	Grains, meat, dairy, oils	Fruits, vegetables, legumes, fortified foods	Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds

Conclusion

While the answer to "Which of the following are not major nutrients?" points to micronutrients, dietary fiber, and phytochemicals, it is crucial to recognize that all these components are essential for maintaining optimal health. Major nutrients, or macronutrients, provide the energy and building materials, while non-major nutrients regulate and protect the body. A truly healthy diet incorporates a wide variety of foods from all categories to ensure a comprehensive intake of everything the body needs to thrive. Simply put, focusing on a balance of both major and non-major nutrients is the most effective way to support your overall well-being. For further guidance on healthy eating, visit resources like The Nutrition Source from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

The three major nutrients, also known as macronutrients, are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

While vital for survival and needed in large amounts, water does not provide energy and is typically classified separately from the energy-providing macronutrients.

Vitamins are not major nutrients because the body requires them in very small, or 'micro', amounts to regulate functions. Their importance is not diminished by the smaller quantity needed.

Micronutrients, which include vitamins and minerals, regulate and support thousands of vital bodily functions but do not provide calories.

No, phytochemicals are non-nutritive plant chemicals that do not provide energy, although they offer protective health benefits.

Yes, a balanced diet rich in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods is the best way to obtain sufficient vitamins and minerals.

A deficiency in micronutrients can lead to a range of health issues, including anemia, impaired growth, and weakened immune function, depending on the specific nutrient lacking.

Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel, which can help lower cholesterol, while insoluble fiber does not dissolve and adds bulk to stool to aid digestion.

No, not all processed foods are bad. The healthfulness depends on the specific food and its ingredients. Many healthy processed foods like canned beans or whole-grain breads can be part of a balanced diet.

No. While supplements can help address specific deficiencies, they cannot fully replicate the broad spectrum of nutrients and beneficial compounds found in whole, real foods.