Which of the following nutrients is not lost during freezing?

Minerals are unique in that they remain stable during the freezing process and are not lost. Unlike vitamins, which can degrade or diminish in potency when exposed to extreme temperatures or longer storage times, minerals remain intact within the food matrix. This is because minerals are inorganic compounds; they do not partake in biochemical reactions the way vitamins do. As a result, freezing preserves the mineral content of foods, making it an excellent preservation method for maintaining nutritional value.

In contrast, proteins, vitamin B, and vitamin C can be affected by freezing. While protein may denature under certain conditions, vitamins, especially B vitamins and vitamin C, are sensitive to temperature changes and can degrade over time, particularly if the food is not stored properly or if it gets thawed and refrozen. Thus, minerals stand out as the nutrients that maintain their integrity through the freezing process.