What term describes any ingested chemical that is absorbed and used by the body?

The term that describes any ingested chemical that is absorbed and used by the body is "nutrient." Nutrients are essential substances that organisms require for proper growth, metabolism, and overall health. They include a wide variety of compounds, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Each of these nutrients plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, from energy production to immune function.

In contrast, while macronutrients refer specifically to the larger classes of nutrients that provide energy—carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—this term does not encompass all substances that the body can utilize, such as vitamins and minerals. Caloric intake specifically refers to the total number of calories consumed, which is distinct from the concept of nutrients themselves. Supplements, on the other hand, are specific products intended to provide nutrients that might be missing from a person's diet. However, not all chemicals ingested are considered supplements, so they wouldn't fully capture the broader definition of nutrients.