Which of the following is considered an energy-yielding nutrient?

The correct answer is fat. Fat is considered an energy-yielding nutrient because it provides a concentrated source of energy when metabolized by the body. Each gram of fat supplies about 9 calories, which is significantly more than what carbohydrates and proteins offer, as both of those provide about 4 calories per gram. This high caloric density makes fat an essential macronutrient that the body can store and use for energy during prolonged physical activity or when carbohydrate stores are low.

While protein and carbohydrates also serve as energy-yielding nutrients, they do so to a lesser extent compared to fat. Vitamins, on the other hand, do not provide energy; instead, they serve crucial roles in metabolism and other physiological functions, supporting the body's overall health without being a direct energy source.