Concept:Minerals in the body mainly perform protective and regulatory roles, not energy giving or body building.
Explanation:Minerals are essential for regulating body processes like electrolyte balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction.
They support the immune system and help maintain normal heartbeat.
Calcium and phosphorus strengthen bones and teeth.
Iron carries oxygen in the blood.
Minerals do not directly provide energy like carbohydrates or fats.
They also do not primarily build body tissues like proteins do.
Thus, the main functions are protective (defence, bone strength) and regulatory (enzyme, nerve, fluid balance).
Answer:C. protective and regulatory functions