Carbohydrates, fats, fiber, minerals, proteins, vitamins and water are the essential nutrients for healthy growth.
The seven major classes of nutrients are : carbohydrates, fats, fiber, minerals, proteins, vitamins and water.
These nutrient classes can be generally grouped into the categories of macronutrients (needed in relatively large amounts) and micronutrients (needed in smaller quantities). The macronutrients are carbohydrates, fats, fiber, proteins and water. The other nutrient classes are micronutrients including minerals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and phytochemicals. The macronutrients (excluding fiber and water) provide energy, which is measured in kilocalories, often called "Calories" and written with a capital C to distinguish them from small calories. Carbohydrates and proteins provide four (4) Calories of energy per gram, while fats provide nine (9) Calories per gram. Vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water do not provide energy, but are necessary for other reasons. Most foods contain a mix of some or all of the nutrient classes. Some nutrients are required on a regular basis, while others are needed less frequently. Poor health can be caused by an imbalance of nutrients, whether an excess or a deficiency.