Description, Role, and Recommended Dietary Allowances for Carbohydrate, Protein, and Fats

Fitness Nutrition Case 3
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Fitness Nutrition Case 3
The three primary macronutrients needed to function correctly are carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Each of these macronutrients serves a particular function in the body. For instance, carbohydrates are the primary source of energy in the body. Carbohydrates are the preferred fuel source because they are easy to convert into usable energy instead of either protein or fat. Some carbohydrates also help synthesize particular amino acids (protein building blocks). Fiber is a form of carbohydrate that is indigestible (cannot be broken down into glucose) but helps facilitate consistent bowel movements. Carbohydrates are typically divided into two groups: complex carbohydrates and simple carbohydrates. The former includes polysaccharides and oligosaccharides entailing long strings of sugar units that are slower to break down into energy.
Complex carbs have a gradual effect on blood glucose levels and are critical in maintaining healthy digestive function (especially fiber) and managing cholesterol levels. On the other hand, simple carbohydrates include monosaccharides and disaccharides entailing one or two units of sugar that can be rapidly broken down into energy. These tend to have a more immediate effect on blood sugar levels but tend to drop shortly after. The recommended dietary allowance for carbohydrates is 45% to 65% of one's daily caloric intake, where sugar consumption should be limited to between 6% and 10% of daily calories (Dolson, 2005).
On the other hand, protein provides the body with the amino acids required in the building of muscle as well as such body organs as the brain, blood, nervous system, skin, and hair. The macronutrien...