Mineral salts, such as table salt, are not considered energy sources for the body because they are inorganic compounds that do not undergo metabolic breakdown. The body derives energy primarily from carbon compounds, specifically carbohydrates and sugars, which release energy through the breaking of stable covalent bonds. In contrast, mineral salts are held together by weak ionic bonds and do not provide usable energy upon dissociation. Their primary role is to maintain water potential gradients across membranes rather than contribute to energy flow.
PREREQUISITESBiologists, nutritionists, ecologists, and anyone interested in understanding energy flow in biological systems and the role of minerals in metabolism.