What are the primary purposes of nutrition?

The primary purposes of nutrition focus on two vital roles: providing energy and maintaining body structure and function. Nutrition supplies the necessary macronutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, that the body requires for energy production, enabling all physiological processes. Additionally, nutrition is essential for maintaining and repairing body tissues, supporting growth, and regulating bodily functions through micronutrients and other dietary compounds.

The emphasis on energy provision highlights how calories consumed from food are utilized in various processes, from muscle contraction to the maintenance of cellular functions. The aspect of maintaining body structure and function underscores the importance of nutrients in supporting overall health, development, and the prevention of diseases. Therefore, the selected answer accurately encapsulates these fundamental biological needs that nutrition fulfills within the human body.