Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range

Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDR) are defined as a range of intakes for a particular macronutrient that is associated with reduced risk of chronic disease while providing adequate amounts of essential nutrients. Adults should consume 45 to 65 percent of their total calories from carbohydrates, 20 to 35 percent from frit, and 10 to 35 percent from protein. 

G.6 Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (Reprinted with permission from the National Academy of Sciences, Courtesy of the National Academies Press, Washington, D.C.)... 

For adults, based on the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range, the lOM recommmds a range of 20 to 35% of total calorie intake to be ingested as fat. Low intake of fats may increase the risk of inadequate intakes of essential fatty acids such as linoleic add and a-linolenic acid, and vitamin E. In addition, low-dietary-fat intake may have a potmtial adverse affect on lipid profiles due to increased carbohydrate intake often assodated with low-fat diets. Therefore, the NCEP reconunends a lower limit of 25% for individuals with elevated plasma cholesterol concentrations, established cardiovascular disease, and more than one major risk factor. On the other hand, an upper level intake of total fat, i.e., approximately 35% of total calories, is assodated with increased calorie and saturated fat intake. In individuals with lipid or metabofic disorders, total fat intakes should not be extreme... 

Vegetarian and particularly vegan diets tend to be low in energy, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, and sodium. If processed foods are avoided added sugars are also low. Current recommendations for acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges (AMDR) in the US are for fat 20-55% of calories and for protein 10-35% of calories, with added sugars no more than 25 % of calories, and the remainder from other carbohydrates. 

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