Identify the stage of nutrition associated with the intake of food.

Options

A. Ingestion
B. Digestion
C. Absorption
D. Assimilation

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Nutrition Stages**: Nutrition in humans involves several stages, including ingestion, digestion, absorption, and assimilation. Each stage plays a specific role in the overall process of obtaining nutrients from food.

2. **Defining Ingestion**: Ingestion is the first stage of nutrition. It refers to the process of taking in food through the mouth. This is where food enters the digestive system.

3. **Identifying Other Stages**:
- **Digestion**: This stage follows ingestion and involves breaking down the food into smaller, simpler molecules.
- **Absorption**: After digestion, the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream from the digestive tract.
- **Assimilation**: This is the final stage where the absorbed nutrients are utilized by the body for energy, growth, and repair.

4. **Focusing on the Question**: The question specifically asks for the stage associated with the intake of food. Since ingestion is the process of taking food into the body, it is the correct answer.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the stage of nutrition associated with the intake of food is **Ingestion**.

**Final Answer**: A. Ingestion

---