any of the organic and inorganic compounds and elements contained in foods and which are utilized in the normal metabolism of the body. Nutrients are generally classified as carbohydrates, fats, prote, toidus sisalduvad organismile vajalikud orgaanilised ja mitteorgaanilised ühendid (süsinikhüdraadid ehk süsivesikud, valgud, rasvad, vitamiinid, mineraalained, vesi)