Which type of nutrients are essential for growth but are often consumed in larger quantities than micronutrients?

Macronutrients are the type of nutrients that are essential for growth and development and are typically consumed in larger quantities compared to micronutrients. These include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which provide the energy and building blocks necessary for bodily functions.

Carbohydrates serve as a primary energy source, proteins are crucial for tissue repair and growth, and fats are important for energy storage and cellular functions. Due to their roles and the amounts needed by the body, macronutrients are consumed in greater volumes as part of a balanced diet.

In contrast, micronutrients, which include vitamins and minerals, are required in smaller amounts but are equally important for a variety of physiological functions. Trace elements, a subset of micronutrients, are required in minute quantities, and antioxidants are compounds that help protect the body from damage by free radicals but are not classified as essential nutrients for growth in the same way that macronutrients are. Thus, it is the macronutrients that are consumed in larger amounts to support growth and overall health.