Macronutrient

How it is used

Used constantly in meal planning, sports nutrition and diet analysis. People often shorten it to 'macros', for example 'tracking macros'. A dietitian may describe a plan by its macronutrient distribution, such as the percentage of energy from carbohydrate, protein and fat.

Example sentences

1. Each macronutrient provides energy: carbohydrate and protein about 4 kcal per gram, and fat about 9 kcal per gram.

2. The app shows your macronutrient split for the day as a simple pie chart.

Common collocations

• macronutrient distribution
• macronutrient ratio
• macronutrient intake
• track macros

Related terms

• proteinA macronutrient made of amino acids that the body uses to build and repair muscles, organs, skin, enzymes and hormones. It provides about 4 kcal per gram.
• carbohydrateA macronutrient found in foods such as bread, rice, fruit, legumes and milk. The body breaks it down mainly into glucose, its main source of energy; it gives about 4 kcal per gram.
• fatA macronutrient that gives the body concentrated energy, about 9 kcal per gram, and helps it absorb vitamins A, D, E and K. The word also means the fat tissue stored in the body.
• micronutrientA vitamin or mineral that the body needs only in very small amounts, measured in milligrams or micrograms, but which is essential for health.
• calorieA unit for measuring the energy that food and drink provide and the body uses. On food labels and in nutrition, 'calorie' usually means a kilocalorie (kcal).

More terms: Macronutrients and Water

• nutrient
• dietary fiber
• hydration
• saturated fat
• unsaturated fat
• cholesterol
• essential amino acid
• omega-3 fatty acids
• trans fat
• complex carbohydrate