Which statement regarding nutrient intake is true?

Nutrients are fundamental to maintaining overall health and play a crucial role in numerous bodily functions. They provide the energy necessary for daily activities, support the development and repair of body tissues, and help enable the body to perform vital processes such as digestion and metabolism.

Essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, must be obtained through the diet because the body cannot produce them in adequate amounts. This makes them critical for growth, immune function, and disease prevention. Adequate nutrient intake contributes to the maintenance of optimal health and can prevent various health-related issues.

The other statements reflect misconceptions about the role of nutrients in the body. For instance, nutrients cannot be disregarded as optional or ignored even when a person feels hungry because the body's needs for these essential substances persist regardless of immediate feelings of hunger.