Which nutrients are critical for energy metabolism?

The nutrients critical for energy metabolism are pantothenic acid and biotin. Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, is essential in the synthesis of coenzyme A, which plays a significant role in fatty acid metabolism and the Krebs cycle. Biotin, another B-vitamin, is crucial for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids. It acts as a coenzyme for carboxylation reactions, which are important for converting food into energy.

Together, these two B-vitamins facilitate the biochemical reactions necessary to convert macronutrients into usable energy forms, such as ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This makes pantothenic acid and biotin fundamental for ensuring the body efficiently derives energy from the food consumed, thus highlighting their importance in energy metabolism.

The other options do not fulfill this specific role in energy metabolism quite the same way as pantothenic acid and biotin. For instance, vitamins C and D primarily support immune function and bone health, respectively, rather than being directly involved in energy production. While calcium and iron are vital for various physiological functions, including muscle contractions and oxygen transport, they are not directly involved in metabolic pathways that convert food into energy. Similarly, sodium and potassium are electroly