Knowra Macronutrient Macronutrient A nutrient required in comparatively large amounts. In human nutrition, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are the main energy-yielding macronutrients; water is also needed in large quantities.
Carbohydrate : A nutrient class that includes sugars, starches, and fiber, with digestible forms supplying energy. Carbohydrates are one of the three main energy-yielding macronutrient classes.
Digestion : The mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into substances the body can absorb. Digestive processes make many macronutrients available for absorption.
Dietary Reference Intake : A system of nutrient reference values used to assess and plan diets for healthy populations. Reference values provide standards for evaluating macronutrient intake.
Micronutrient : A nutrient required in small amounts, including vitamins and minerals. The macronutrient–micronutrient distinction concerns required quantity, not importance.
Dietary fat : A dietary nutrient class of lipids that supplies energy and supports cell membranes and vitamin absorption. Fats are energy-dense macronutrients with structural and physiological roles.
Absorption (digestive) : The movement of digested nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract into blood or lymph. Absorbed macronutrient products enter circulation for use or storage.
Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range : A recommended range for the share of total energy supplied by a macronutrient. This guideline expresses macronutrient targets as proportions of dietary energy.
Vitamin : An organic micronutrient needed in small amounts for normal physiological functions. Vitamins are essential nutrients but are not macronutrients.
Protein : A nutrient made of amino acids that supports tissue structure, enzymes, transport, and other functions. Protein is the third main energy-yielding macronutrient class.
Cellular respiration : The metabolic process by which cells extract energy from molecules and use it to produce ATP. Cells oxidize carbohydrate, fat, and sometimes protein to obtain energy.
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