Which nutrient is essential and helps transport other nutrients to cells, carries wastes, and aids digestion?

Which nutrient is essential and helps transport other nutrients to cells, carries wastes, and aids digestion?

• A. Carbohydrate
• B. Water
• C. Protein
• D. Fat

Answer: (B)

Water is an essential nutrient and the body's transport medium. It dissolves nutrients so they can be absorbed from the gut and carried in the bloodstream to cells. It also helps move waste products from cells to the kidneys for excretion. In digestion, water participates in saliva and gastric and intestinal secretions and helps break down food; it also lubricates the digestive tract to aid movement of contents. Without enough water, nutrient transport and digestion slow, and waste removal becomes less efficient. While carbohydrates, proteins, and fats provide energy and building blocks, they do not serve as the primary transport medium or solvent for nutrient movement or waste removal in the same way water does.

Water is an essential nutrient and the body's transport medium. It dissolves nutrients so they can be absorbed from the gut and carried in the bloodstream to cells. It also helps move waste products from cells to the kidneys for excretion. In digestion, water participates in saliva and gastric and intestinal secretions and helps break down food; it also lubricates the digestive tract to aid movement of contents. Without enough water, nutrient transport and digestion slow, and waste removal becomes less efficient. While carbohydrates, proteins, and fats provide energy and building blocks, they do not serve as the primary transport medium or solvent for nutrient movement or waste removal in the same way water does.