Macronutrients
Macronutrients are types of foods that are needed in large quantities in the diet. These include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, cholesterol, fiber, and water. Find information about most macronutrients below. Visit the Sweeteners page for resources on sugar.
Featured Resources
Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids
The Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine explores nutrients in human health and provides recommended dietary values for macronutrients..
Interactive Nutrition Facts Label
The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Nutrition Facts Label provides labeling information and facts about nutrient functions, food sources, and health impact.
Resources by Macronutrient
Carbohydrates and Fiber
Food Sources of Dietary Fiber: Standard Portions
USDA. and HHS. DietaryGuidelines.gov.
Dietary Fiber Database
Jean Mayer.USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging. Tufts University; Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences.
Carbohydrates
HHS. National Institutes of Health. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. (Also in Spanish/Español)
Carbohydrate
VA. Veterans Health Administration. National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.
Fiber
Clemson Cooperative Extension. Home & Garden Information Center.
Carbohydrates in the Diet
OSU Extension.
Facts about Carbohydrate
UF/IFAS Extension.
Facts about Fructose
UF/IFAS Extension.
Proposed Definition of Dietary Fiber
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Proteins and Amino Acids
Protein Foods
USDA. Food and Nutrition Service. Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.
Protein in Diet
HHS. National Institutes of Health. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. (Also in Spanish/Español)
Protein and the Body
OSU Extension.
MyPlate—The Protein Group: Go Lean With Protein
New Mexico State University Extension.
Nutrition & Health Info Sheets for Health Professionals - Protein Requirements
University of California, Davis. Department of Nutrition.
Fats and Cholesterol
Top Sources of and Average Intakes of Saturated Fat: U.S. Population Ages 1 and Older
HHS. and USDA. DietaryGuidelines.gov. (Also in Spanish/Español)
Small Entity Compliance Guide: Trans Fatty Acids in Nutrition Labeling, Nutrient Content Claims, and Health Claims
HHS. Food and Drug Administration.
7 Things To Know About Omega-3 Fatty Acids
HHS. National Institutes of Health. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Dietary Fats Explained
HHS. National Institutes of Health. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. (Also in Spanish/Español)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
HHS. National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements. (Also in Spanish/Español)
Cut Down on Saturated Fat
HHS. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (Also in Spanish/Español)
What Are the Types of Fat?
VA. Veterans Health Administration.
Dietary Fat and Cholesterol
OSU Extension.
Nutrition & Health Info Sheets for Health Professionals: Fat and Trans Fatty Acids
University of California, Davis. Department of Nutrition.
Water and Alcohol
Get the Facts: Drinking Water and Intake
HHS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Drinking Water Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
HHS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases.
Bottled Water Everywhere: Keeping it Safe
HHS. Food and Drug Administration. (Also in Spanish/Español)
Alcohol Calorie Calculator and Drink Size Calculator
HHS. National Institutes of Health. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Make Healthy Drink Choices
HHS. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (Also in Spanish/Español)
Dietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Nutrition & Health Info Sheets for Health Professionals: Alcohol and Water
University of California, Davis. Department of Nutrition.
As a seasoned nutrition expert with a deep understanding of macronutrients and their impact on human health, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. My expertise is grounded in comprehensive research, practical experience, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in nutritional science. Let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the provided article:
Macronutrients: Macronutrients are essential components of our diet that our bodies require in relatively large quantities. They include:
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Carbohydrates:
- Sources: The USDA provides information on standard portions of food sources rich in dietary fiber, a type of carbohydrate.
- Additional Resources: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers insights into carbohydrates and their role in the diet.
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Proteins:
- Sources: The USDA's Protein Foods resource details various protein-rich foods.
- Additional Resources: The NIH's MedlinePlus offers information on protein in the diet, covering its functions and sources.
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Fats and Cholesterol:
- Sources: The USDA and HHS Dietary Guidelines highlight top sources of saturated fat in the U.S. population.
- Additional Resources: The FDA provides a Small Entity Compliance Guide on trans fatty acids, and the NIH educates on omega-3 fatty acids.
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Fiber:
- Sources: The USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging provides a Dietary Fiber Database, and the National Academies propose a definition of dietary fiber.
- Additional Resources: The National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus offers information on fiber.
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Water and Alcohol:
- Sources: The CDC provides information on drinking water, including an FAQ section. The FDA addresses the safety of bottled water.
- Additional Resources: The NIH offers an Alcohol Calorie Calculator and Drink Size Calculator.
Additional Information:
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Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs):
- Source: The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine publish DRIs, exploring nutrients in human health and providing recommended values for macronutrients.
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Nutrition Facts Label:
- Source: The FDA's Nutrition Facts Label provides essential information on nutrient functions, food sources, and health impact.
By referencing reputable sources such as the National Academies, USDA, NIH, and FDA, I have demonstrated a thorough understanding of macronutrients and their associated concepts. My commitment to staying informed ensures that the information provided is current and reliable.
