Macronutrient groups

The diets used in these initial studies on the effect of consuming buttermilk on serum cholesterol were not standardized, and involved a small number of individuals. Hussi et al. (1981) fed a large group of healthy volunteers with either 2.7 L/day of skim milk or 2 L/day of buttermilk or a control diet for three weeks. All diets were standardized for macronutrient and energy level, and all volunteers consumed the control diet for 3 weeks prior to the study. No significant differences were found in the serum lipid or lipoprotein profiles between the control and test groups. 

All microorganisms require varying amounts of a large number of nutrients. These are required because they are necessary components of bacterial protoplasm. The nutrients can be divided into three groups macro, minor, and micro. The macronutrients are those that comprise most of the biomass. These are given by the commonly accepted formula for biomass (Cml 2I ). The carbon, hydro-... 

In plant nutritional science it is usual to regard also N, C, H, and O as essential elements, and to characterize the entire group as macronutrient elements (see Table 2.2). N, Ca, K, Mg, P, and S represent in this context the subgroup mineral macronutrient elements. Additionally, in plants the degree of essentiality (Table 2.1) is a more precisely considered criterion than in animals and humans (see below). This facilitates consideration of the major metabolic differences between many species. 

Macronutrients are substances required by the body in relatively large amounts. They are used by the body to provide energy and the materials necessary to form new or replacement tissue. The macronutrients are carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, objective 2 (Section 12.2), Exercise 12.4. An RDI has been established only for proteins, but other groups have recommended the amounts of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins that should be included in the diet. 

Vitamins are a well-known group of compounds that are essential for human health. Water-soluble vitamins include folate (vitamin B9) to create DNA. Folate also plays an important role in preventing birth defects during early pregnancy. Thiamine is the first vitamin of the B-complex (vitamin Bl) that researchers discovered. It allows the body to break down alcohol and metabolize carbohydrates and amino acids. Like many other B vitamins, riboflavin (vitamin B2) helps the body to metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fat. Niacin (vitamin B3) protects the health of skin cells and keeps the digestive system functioning properly. Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and biotin allow the body to obtain energy from macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) acts as a coenzyme, which means it helps chemical reactions to take place. It also plays a vital role in the creation of nonessential amino acids. 

Fat is a valuable macronutrient in human health. The types of fatty acids are important because each of them biologically affects the body in different ways. Vast and long-term researches have been carried out on the impact of specific fatty acid groups on public health (American Dietetic Association, 2007). 

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