Vitamins and minerals are classified as which of the following?

A. Smoking cigarettes regularly

Smoking introduces harmful chemicals that significantly increase oxidative stress and the production of free radicals, which damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease.

B. Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and help reduce their damaging effects.

C. Engaging in regular moderate physical activity

Moderate physical activity actually reduces oxidative stress over time by enhancing the body’s antioxidant defenses.

D. Getting 7–9 hours of sleep each night

Adequate sleep supports immune function and reduces oxidative stress. Lack of sleep—not healthy sleep—is more likely to increase free radicals.

A. Metabolism

Metabolism is a broad term encompassing all chemical processes in the body. It includes both catabolism (breakdown) and anabolism (building), but doesn’t describe the specific state the patient is in.

B. Catabolism

In starvation and hypothermia, the body enters a catabolic state—breaking down tissues and energy stores (e.g., fat, muscle) to produce energy needed for survival. Catabolism predominates in energy-deficient and stress conditions.

C. Anabolism

Anabolism refers to building complex molecules and tissue (e.g., muscle growth), which occurs in nutrient-rich, well-rested states—not in starvation.

D. Glycogenesis

Glycogenesis is the formation of glycogen from glucose for energy storage. In starvation, the body is doing the opposite—breaking down glycogen via glycogenolysis, not storing it.