Which of the following statements is true regarding essential nutrients?

Essential nutrients are compounds that the body cannot synthesize on its own in sufficient quantities to meet its needs. As a result, these nutrients must be acquired through the diet to sustain health and proper physiological functioning. Essential nutrients include vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and certain amino acids that play critical roles in various bodily processes such as metabolism, growth, immune function, and disease prevention.

The assertion that essential nutrients must be obtained through diet reflects the understanding that without these nutrients, the body could face deficiencies leading to various health issues. This emphasizes the importance of a balanced and varied diet to ensure that all essential nutrients are consumed adequately.

Other statements, such as the idea that the body can produce essential nutrients in large quantities or that they are redundant and unnecessary, are inaccurate. Essential nutrients are indeed necessary for survival and contribute to numerous life-sustaining functions throughout a person's lifespan, not just during childhood.