Non-fuel nutrients that are essential for health include vitamins, water, and _____.

The correct answer is minerals, as they are essential non-fuel nutrients that play a critical role in maintaining health. Minerals are inorganic substances that the body needs for a variety of functions, including the formation of bones and teeth, the regulation of metabolism, and the maintenance of proper nerve and muscle function. Unlike carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which are macronutrients that provide energy (fuel) to the body, minerals do not provide calories but are vital in supporting various physiological processes.

Vitamins and water, alongside minerals, are part of the non-fuel nutrients that are crucial for overall wellness and the proper functioning of the body's systems. Together, these nutrients contribute to numerous biochemical reactions and maintain homeostasis, making minerals an essential part of a healthy diet. This is why minerals are recognized as a necessary non-fuel nutrient along with vitamins and water.