macronutrients
Major dietary components
Macronutrients are the nutrients required in large quantities for energy and basic bodily function: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
The term distinguishes these from micronutrients like vitamins and minerals, needed only in trace amounts.
In nutrition discussions, "macros" often appears as shorthand: I'm tracking my macros, What are your macro targets?
Essential organic nutrients
- mineralsInorganic natural solids
- bioavailabilityFraction reaching active circulation
- RDASuggested daily nutrient intake
- caloric intakeEnergy consumed through eating
balanced diet · fortification · whole foods · meal planning · macros
Organic compounds forming proteins
- complete proteinContains all essential amino acids
- essential amino acidsProtein building blocks requiring dietary intake
- caseinDairy phosphoprotein for industry
- wheyLiquid from curdled dairy
albumin · peptides · protein synthesis · muscle repair · leucine · lysine · tryptophan · denaturation
Animal tissue for food
Primary cellular fuel
- starchComplex plant carbohydrate
- fiberPlant-based digestive aid
- glycogenStored glucose polymer
- fructoseMonosaccharide in produce
sucrose · lactose · maltose · dextrose · polysaccharides · monosaccharides · disaccharides · cellulose
Measures of food energy
- energyPower to do work
- ATPCell's energy molecule
- thermogenesisMetabolic production of warmth
- catabolismMetabolic molecular dismantling
anabolism · basal metabolic rate · kilojoules · cellular respiration · oxidation · mitochondria · metabolic rate · ketosis
Water-insoluble biomolecules
- triglyceridesThree-chained fat molecules
- saturated fatFully hydrogenated dietary lipid
- unsaturated fatLipid with incomplete hydrogen bonds
- monounsaturatedHaving one double bond
polyunsaturated · trans fat · omega-3 · omega-6 · essential fatty acids · cholesterol · HDL · LDL
vitamins
Essential organic nutrients
- mineralsInorganic natural solids
- bioavailabilityFraction reaching active circulation
- RDASuggested daily nutrient intake
caloric intake · balanced diet · fortification · whole foods · meal planning · macros
amino acids
Organic compounds forming proteins
- complete proteinContains all essential amino acids
- essential amino acidsProtein building blocks requiring dietary intake
- caseinDairy phosphoprotein for industry
whey · albumin · peptides · protein synthesis · muscle repair · leucine · lysine · tryptophan · denaturation · collagen
meat
Animal tissue for food
legumes · tofu · tempeh · dairy · nuts · seeds · quinoa · rice · oats · potatoes
glucose
Primary cellular fuel
fructose · sucrose · lactose · maltose · dextrose · polysaccharides · monosaccharides · disaccharides · cellulose · pectin
calories
Measures of food energy
- energyPower to do work
- ATPCell's energy molecule
- thermogenesisMetabolic production of warmth
catabolism · anabolism · basal metabolic rate · kilojoules · cellular respiration · oxidation · mitochondria · metabolic rate · ketosis
lipids
Water-insoluble biomolecules
- triglyceridesThree-chained fat molecules
- saturated fatFully hydrogenated dietary lipid
- unsaturated fatLipid with incomplete hydrogen bonds
monounsaturated · polyunsaturated · trans fat · omega-3 · omega-6 · essential fatty acids · cholesterol · HDL · LDL · phospholipids
- nutrientsprotein, vitamins, fats, minerals, vitamin
- nutritionprotein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals
- nutrition educationfood groups, balanced diet, healthy eating, food pyramid, dietary guidelines
- Sports Nutritionprotein, carbohydrates, carbs, electrolytes, hydration
- Cultivation Methodscross-pollination, selective breeding, self-pollination, pollination, organic fertilizer
- fertilizersnitrogen, fertilizer, phosphorus, potassium, ammonia
macronutrientsmicronutrients
Vital substances needed minimally
vitamins · minerals · trace elements · trace minerals · electrolytes
macronutrientsdietary fiber
Indigestible plant carbohydrate
macronutrientsempty calories
Energy lacking nutrients
toxins · junk food · food additives · preservatives · fillers