Which nutrient is most involved in metabolism?

Vitamins play a crucial role in metabolism as they serve as essential co-factors for various enzymatic reactions that facilitate the conversion of food into energy. Many vitamins, such as the B-complex vitamins, are directly involved in metabolic pathways that process carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. For instance, B vitamins help in the metabolism of macronutrients by aiding in the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose, fatty acids from fats, and amino acids from proteins. Each vitamin has a specific function that contributes to maintaining metabolic processes, making them integral to overall health and energy production.

While carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are important macronutrients that provide energy and raw materials for metabolism, they primarily serve as substrates in metabolic pathways rather than regulators. Vitamins enhance the efficiency and speed of these metabolic reactions, highlighting their significant role in the metabolic processes of the body.