What is defined as the intake and use of foods and fluids to maintain health?

Nutrition is defined as the intake and use of foods and fluids to maintain health. It encompasses the processes through which organisms obtain and utilize nutrients from food in order to support growth, repair, and overall functioning of the body. This includes a variety of essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, that play crucial roles in maintaining health and preventing diseases.

While "diet" refers specifically to the types and amounts of food consumed, it does not fully capture the broader concept of how those foods are utilized within the body. "Malnutrition" indicates a deficiency or excess in nutrition that can lead to health issues, but does not define the process itself. "Digestion" is the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into smaller components that can be absorbed, which is an important part of nutrition but does not encompass the entire spectrum of nutrient intake and utilization. Thus, nutrition is the most comprehensive term that accurately describes the process of maintaining health through food and fluid intake.