Final answer:
Vitamins are micronutrients that are essential for human health and are required in small amounts for various bodily functions; they can be either fat-soluble or water-soluble.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question is C) Micronutrients. Vitamins are essential nutrients that the body requires in small quantities to function properly. Unlike macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which the body uses in larger quantities for energy and structural components, micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, are needed in smaller amounts. Vitamins are organic compounds, and they play myriad roles in maintaining health, such as supporting the immune system, aiding the absorption of other nutrients, and promoting proper growth and development.
It is important to note that vitamins can be categorized into two types: fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K) and water-soluble vitamins (such as vitamin C and the B-vitamins). While fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in the body's fatty tissues, water-soluble vitamins cannot be stored and thus need more frequent replenishment through diet.