The three main macronutrients are carbohydrates, protein, and fat. They’re known as essential nutrients, meaning your body either cannot make them or cannot make enough of them. Macronutrients are the nutrients that your body needs in large amounts, which include fat, carbohydrates, and protein.

Understanding the Context

They're the nutrients that give you energy and are often called "macros". There are three main types of macronutrients (macros): proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. They are essential nutrients the body needs in large quantities to remain healthy. Macronutrients, which consist of fats, protein and carbs, and micronutrients, which are vitamins and minerals, are essential to our bodies.

Key Insights

Macronutrients are the food components we need larger amounts of, such as carbs, protein and fat. Micronutrients, meanwhile, are the vitamins and minerals we need in very small amounts. The three primary macronutrients are carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Carbs fuel your body with immediate energy. Protein provides amino acids, essential for building muscle, skin, blood, and important structures of the brain and nervous system.

Final Thoughts

Macronutrients are nutrients that provide calories or energy essential for normal growth, metabolism, and bodily functions, required in larger quantities. They are classified into three types: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. "Macros" is short for macronutrients, a term used to describe the nutrients your body needs in large amounts, specifically carbohydrates, fat and protein. "Macronutrients are basically what your body runs on," Albert says.