What is the study of nutrients in food and their usage by the body called?

The study of nutrients in food and their usage by the body is referred to as nutrition. This field examines how various substances found in food affect health, growth, and overall bodily functions. Nutrition encompasses understanding how the body processes these nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, and how they contribute to maintaining overall health and preventing diseases.

While dietetics focuses specifically on the application of nutrition principles in practical settings, such as creating dietary plans and educating individuals on healthy eating, nutrition itself serves as the broader discipline that encompasses these concepts. Food science primarily deals with the production, preservation, and safety of food, whereas nutritional chemistry delves into the chemical aspects of nutrients specifically. Thus, nutrition stands out as the correct choice for the study of nutrients and their use by the body.