What is one of the roles of minerals in nutrition?

Minerals play a crucial role in nutrition as they are essential for various bodily functions. They contribute to numerous physiological processes, including the regulation of fluid balance, nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and enzyme activity. Each mineral has specific functions; for example, calcium is vital for bone health, while iron is necessary for oxygen transport in the blood. Unlike macronutrients, such as carbohydrates and fats, which provide energy, minerals do not provide direct energy but support the biochemical pathways that convert food into energy.

The other options present misunderstandings of mineral functions. For instance, while minerals are necessary for muscle growth, they are not solely for this purpose and are involved in many other functions as well. Additionally, minerals do not provide energy directly in the same way macronutrients do, nor can they replace vitamins, as both are essential but serve different roles in the body.