(Illustration by GGS Information Services/Thomson Gale.) The three functions of macronutrients Provide energy These amino acids are linked together in sequence as polypeptide chains that fold into compact shapes. ![]() Proteins, from the Greek proteios meaning “first”, are important biological molecules (biomolecules) that consist of strings of smaller units called amino acids, the “building blocks” of proteins. Macronutrients also have specific roles in maintaining the body and contribute to the taste, texture and appearance of foods, which helps to make the diet more varied and enjoyable. For example, if the Nutrition Facts label of a given food indicates 12 g of carbohydrate, 2 g of fat, and 0 g of protein per serving, the food then has 12g carbohydrate x 4 calories = 48 calories þ 2 g fat x 4 calories = 8 calories for a total of 48 þ 8 calories = 56 calories per serving). Carbohydrate provides four calories per gram, protein also four while fat provides nine. While each of the macronutrients provides calories, the amount provided by each varies. The main function of macronutrients is to provide energy, counted as calories. There are three broad classes of macro-nutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. The prefix makro is from the Greek and means big or large, used because macronutrients are required in large amounts. Macronutrients are nutrients that provide calories or energy. Nutrients are substances needed for growth, metabolism, and for other body functions.
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