Which inorganic essential nutrient provides no calories yet is crucial for the body's regulatory activities?

Minerals are inorganic essential nutrients that play a vital role in various physiological functions without providing calories. They are crucial for the body's regulatory activities, such as maintaining hydration, supporting nerve transmission, muscle function, and enzyme activation. Although they do not contribute energy in the form of calories, their importance is underscored by their participation in numerous biochemical pathways and structural functions in the body.

Vitamins, while essential, are organic compounds that function primarily as coenzymes or precursors to coenzymes in metabolic processes. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and can provide energy, whereas fatty acids are components of lipids that supply energy and are involved in cellular structure and signaling. The unique characteristic of minerals as non-caloric yet critical for regulation emphasizes their essential role in nutrition and health.