A vital ingredint of food which does not provide energy and is required in minute quantity is

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for a vital ingredient in food that does not provide energy and is required in minute quantities.

2. **Identifying Nutrient Categories**: Nutrients can be categorized into macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) which provide energy, and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) which do not provide energy.

3. **Focusing on Micronutrients**: Since the question specifies that the ingredient does not provide energy, we focus on micronutrients. Among these, vitamins are essential for various bodily functions.

4. **Characteristics of Vitamins**: Vitamins are required in very small amounts (minute quantities) and play crucial roles in bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and overall health.

5. **Examples of Vitamins**: Some common vitamins include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, and the B-complex vitamins. These are all vital for health but do not provide energy.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on the above points, the answer to the question is "vitamin."

**Final Answer**: Vitamin

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