Which of the following is NOT one of the six essential nutrients?

The correct answer identifies sugars as not being one of the six essential nutrients. The six essential nutrients include carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. While sugars do play a role in nutrition, they are considered a type of carbohydrate rather than a standalone category of essential nutrient.

Carbohydrates are vital as they provide a primary source of energy for the body. Under carbohydrates, sugars like glucose and fructose are included, but they do not represent a distinct category in the larger framework of essential nutrients. Fats are crucial for energy storage and cell structure. Vitamins are organic compounds that are necessary for various metabolic processes, supporting overall health. Therefore, identifying sugars emphasizes distinctions within carbohydrate types rather than recognizing them as essential nutrients themselves.