What is the definition of non-essential nutrients?

Non-essential nutrients are those that the body can synthesize on its own and do not need to be obtained directly through the diet. This means that, while they can still play important roles in various physiological functions, an individual’s body has the capability to produce these nutrients, which means dietary intake is not strictly necessary for survival or overall health.

For instance, certain amino acids, like alanine or aspartate, can be produced by the body from other compounds and thus are classified as non-essential. Despite this, it is still important to maintain a balanced diet that may include these nutrients, as they can potentially enhance health and wellbeing when present in food sources.

The other definitions provided do not accurately characterize non-essential nutrients. Nutrients that must be obtained from the diet (essential nutrients) are critical for various bodily functions, while stating they provide no health benefits isn't accurate; non-essential nutrients can still confer benefits even if they can be synthesized by the body.