Nutrients are substances used by an organism for the purpose of growth, reproduce and survive. These includes proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. They are used to provide energy, as structural components, regulation components such as hormones and other messengers among other functions. Proteins and fats are used for regulatory functions and control the activities of the body, these are enzymes and hormones. In this case, carbohydrates do not perform regulatory functions in the body.