Vitamins are characterized as:

Vitamins are indeed classified as micronutrients because they are needed by the body in relatively small amounts compared to macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They are organic compounds, meaning they contain carbon and are derived from living organisms, which is essential for various bodily functions including metabolism, immunity, and overall health.

Understanding the role of vitamins helps clarify their classification. Unlike macronutrients which provide energy, vitamins facilitate numerous biochemical reactions and support various physiological processes. Since they are essential for health but not synthesized in sufficient quantities by the body, they must be obtained from diet, which further solidifies their status as essential micronutrients.

The other classifications—macronutrients with inorganic substances, minerals combined with macronutrients, and essential fatty acids with inorganic elements—do not accurately reflect the nature of vitamins. Vitamins lack the characteristics that define inorganic substances and essential fatty acids, reinforcing the correct choice that emphasizes their organic nature and their role as micronutrients.