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Concept

Macronutrient

Nutrition Science

A nutrient the body needs in large amounts to supply energy and support growth, comprising carbohydrate, protein and fat. Dietary guidance debates have centered repeatedly on the balance among the three that best supports population health.

Facts
First Described Year
1942 1
First Described Era
First recorded in 1942, per the Merriam-Webster dictionary entry First Known Use field. 1
Concept Class
Nutrition science 2
Connections

Associated With

Caloric Balance, Concepts

Caloric intake is the direct sum of macronutrient consumption, mechanistically linking the two concepts.

Source United States National Institutes of Health Official Site
Micronutrient, Concepts

Paired classification: nutrients needed in large amounts versus small amounts.

Source United States National Institutes of Health Official Site

In Branch

Source United States National Institutes of Health Official Site
Sources
1. Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Merriam-Webster, IncorporatedFirst Known Use section
Quote, First Known Use section
1942, in the meaning defined above
View the Source
2. United States National Institutes of Health Official Site
US National Institutes of Health
  • NIH News in Health, Breaking Down Food, August 2023
    Food provides energy and nutrients that are essential for your health. These include proteins, carbohydrates, and fats (called macronutrients), and vitamins and minerals (called micronutrients). Having a balanced diet helps ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs.
  • Associated With: Micronutrient
  • In Branch: Nutrition Science
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