Nutrition

Nutrition, process by which living organisms take in and utilize nutrients, the substances required for growth and for the maintenance of life. Essential nutrients are those that cannot be produced within living cells and must be derived from food. Unlike plants, which can synthesize their nutritional requirements from exposure to sunlight, soil, and air, animals depend largely on the eating of plants or other animals. A broad array of essential nutrients are required by the human body. These include protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Deficiencies in any of these can result in stunted growth or in a variety of illnesses involving malfunctions of organs or systems.