Macronutrients

Start with an overview

The Macronutrients mind map brings together carbohydrates, fats, proteins and water. It describes carbohydrates and fats as principal energy sources and outlines a role for dietary protein. The Nutrition mind map also groups these nutrients and includes the elements associated with them. Either map is a useful starting point for seeing how the topics on this page fit together.

For a food technology approach, the Food Technology Macronutrients mind map lists carbohydrate sources, including foods and drinks that contain sugar. It also notes that sugar is not always visible.

Move from maps to questions

After looking at a map, try the introductory nutrition quiz on lipids and proteins. Its questions include what distinguishes proteins from carbohydrates and lipids, and the building blocks of proteins. Use the maps to organize what you know before answering, then return to them to review the relevant branches.

The quiz on carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, alcohols and water offers another set of questions. Its excerpts include artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols. You can compare the subjects it raises with the nutrient groups in the Macronutrients map.

Practice with flashcards

Food and Nutrition Topic 1 includes questions about what proteins are made of, where protein is found and vegetarian alternatives to meat. Work through these alongside a mind map: the cards offer individual prompts, while the map provides a way to see related ideas together.

The Quiz 3 Review flashcards include questions about lipids and differences between fats. They also refer to glucose, blood pressure and lipid profiles.

Explore the unit

Macronutrients is one section of Nutrients and Nutrient Requirements in Nutrition and dietetics. The resources on this page offer different ways into that section, from broad nutrient maps to focused questions about protein and lipids. Choose a map or quiz and use it as a starting point for your study.