Nutrition

Vitamin A is essential for normal vision, especially adaptation to dim light, and for maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes. It also supports immune defence. Vitamin K is more directly associated with blood clotting, vitamin D with calcium and bone metabolism, and macronutrients with energy. Thus option D is correct.

Proteins supply amino acids needed to build and repair muscles, skin, enzymes, hormones and other tissues. Prolonged deficiency may impair growth, wound healing, muscle maintenance and immune function, especially in children or illness. The other options are unrelated physical changes. Therefore option A is correct.

Food fortification is the deliberate addition of a vitamin, mineral or other nutrient to a food to improve its nutritional value. Iodine added to salt and iron added to flour are familiar examples. Fortification is intended to help reduce nutrient deficiencies and must follow safe, regulated levels. Therefore option A is correct.

Seasonal foods are often produced locally during their natural growing period, so they may be fresher, more available and less expensive. They can contribute useful nutrients when included in a varied diet. Seasonal does not automatically mean perfectly nutritious or safe; washing, storage and preparation still matter. Thus option C is correct.

Proper nutrition supplies the energy and nutrients needed for growth, tissue maintenance, repair, learning, physical activity and immune function. A balanced diet can support healthy development and reduce the risk of some deficiency-related and diet-related problems. It does not eliminate the need for food or guarantee freedom from every disease. Therefore option A is correct.

Macronutrients are nutrients required in relatively large amounts. Carbohydrates mainly provide energy, proteins support growth and repair, and fats provide concentrated energy while helping with cell structure and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Therefore, carbohydrate, protein and fat form the correct group.

Seasonal foods are often available in greater quantity during their natural season, which can make them fresher and less expensive. Fruits, vegetables and other local foods may then provide useful vitamins, minerals, fibre and variety at an affordable cost. They must nevertheless be selected, stored and prepared safely to retain their benefits.

Option A is correct because carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are the three principal macronutrients. The body requires them in relatively large amounts: carbohydrates and fats mainly provide energy, while proteins supply amino acids needed for growth, maintenance, and tissue repair; protein can also provide energy. Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients because they are generally required in much smaller amounts, even though they are essential for health.

Whole grains retain more parts of the grain, including the bran and germ, whereas refining removes much of these components. Consequently, whole grains generally provide more dietary fibre and may retain greater amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds. They still provide energy, so cost, salt, and absence of energy are not valid reasons for the comparison.

Seasonal foods are harvested during their natural growing period and are often more readily available, fresher, and less expensive than foods transported from distant places or produced out of season. Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables can contribute valuable vitamins, minerals, fibre, and water. They are not automatically perfect, but freshness, affordability, and nutrient value make option C the best answer.

Empty calories are calories supplied mainly by added sugar or solid fats with little accompanying protein, fibre, vitamins, or minerals. An excessively sweet drink can provide substantial energy while contributing very few essential nutrients, so it is a clear example. Fruit with pulses, milk with whole grains, and green vegetables with gram provide useful nutrients and fibre in addition to energy. They are therefore not typical empty-calorie choices. Hence option C is correct.

Fruit can provide vitamins, minerals, water and dietary fibre, while sprouts can contribute protein, fibre and several micronutrients. Together they offer greater nutrient density and variety than a sugary drink, salty chips or a single fried snack. The exact portion and preparation still matter, but fruit and sprouts are the most nutritious option among those listed.