Mineral salts are not considered a source of energy for the body because they are inorganic compounds that do not undergo metabolic breakdown like organic compounds such as carbohydrates. The body derives energy primarily from the digestion of carbon-based compounds, which release energy when their covalent bonds are broken. In contrast, mineral salts, held together by weak ionic bonds, do not provide usable energy as they dissociate in water before entering the body. Instead, mineral salts play a crucial role in maintaining water potential gradients across membranes. The discussion also touches on trophic levels, questioning the relationships between organisms, including concepts like parasitism and competition, but this aspect remains secondary to the primary focus on energy sources.
