Minerals primarily support which of the following?

The correct choice highlights the critical role that minerals play in the structure and function of living organisms. Minerals are essential components of bones and teeth, contributing to the formation of the skeleton. They also play important roles in soft tissues, where they are involved in various biological processes, and in fluids throughout the body, such as blood and lymph.

Minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, are vital for bone health, providing strength and structure. Other minerals, like potassium and sodium, are crucial for fluid balance and cellular function. This foundational role in maintaining the integrity and functionality of both skeletal and soft tissue makes minerals indispensable to overall health.

While energy production, digestion processes, and neurological functions also rely on various nutrients, these processes do not directly underscore the primary support function that minerals provide in structural roles for the body. Minerals are not the direct sources of energy; rather, they serve as cofactors and components necessary for various physiological functions, rather than being involved in energy production itself.