The three macronutrients are carbohydrate, fat and protein. The main functions of these nutrients is to supply energy and to allow certain metabolic pathways to function. Carbohydrates are not essential as humans can survive without consuming carbohydrates. However carbohydrates are readily oxidised as a source of energy which makes them useful, but not essential. Of the two remaining macronutrients, both have essential components. Protein is made up of amino acids, and a number of these amino acids are essential to health. The exact number of essential amino acids required varies from person to person depending on metabolic needs, but at least 8 of them are always required (threonine, tryptophan, methionine, isoleucine, valine, leucine, lysine and phenylalanine. Fat is a good source of energy, but two fatty acids are essential to the health (alpha linolenic acid and linoleic acid) as they provide the building blocks for eicosanoid synthesis, and in this way have a hormonal function.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
