Which substances are known to be vital for normal body metabolism?

Vitamins play crucial roles in various metabolic processes within the body, making them vital for normal body metabolism. They serve as co-factors for numerous enzyme reactions, which are essential for converting food into energy, synthesizing important molecules, and maintaining overall health. Each vitamin has specific functions, such as aiding in energy production, supporting immune function, and promoting cell and tissue growth.

While fats, amino acids, and sugars are all important components of nutrition and contribute to metabolism in different ways, vitamins serve unique functions that are essential for enabling and regulating metabolic pathways. Without adequate vitamins, metabolic processes can become impaired, leading to various health issues. This distinguishes vitamins as particularly vital substances necessary for maintaining optimal metabolic function in the body.