What are the six classes of nutrients and there functions? Solution The six primary nutrients and their functions are given below: 1). Carbohydrates: They provide the readily available source of energy for the body, i.e. the glucose. They are necessary to maintain the normal blood glucose levels. 2). Proteins: Proteins are digested to provide amino acids, which are the major structural components of muscles and are also necessary for tissue growth and repair process. 3). Fats: It is the long-term energy reserve of the body. The adipose tissue preserve the body heat and also act as a storage site for fat soluble vitamins. 4). Vitamins: Vitamins are the vital micronutrients that act as co-enzymes necessary to promote a chemical reaction to occur. They participate in several of the biochemical reactions of the body. There are two types of vitamins present in our body namely water soluble and fat soluble proteins. Vitamins B complex and vitamin C are water soluble vitamins and vitamins A, D, E and K are fat soluble vitamins. 5). Minerals and electrolytes: Minerals are inorganic molecules, they are the “micronutrients” essential for normal biochemical reactions to occur. Electrolytes are the charged molecules (Na+, K+, Cl-) that play a key role in maintain the fluid volume. Minerals such as calcium and magnesium are also the structural constituents of the body tissues. 6). Water: It is the major constituent of blood, which is the transport media in the body. It is also necessary for maintaining the homeostatic conditions in the body..