An official website of the United States government.
Macronutrients
Macronutrients are types of foods that are needed in large quantities in the diet. These include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber, and water. Find information about most macronutrients below. Visit the Sweeteners page for resources on sugar.
Featured Resources
Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids
The Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine explores nutrients in human health and provides recommended dietary values for macronutrients. .
Interactive Nutrition Facts Label
The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Nutrition Facts Label provides labeling information and facts about nutrient functions, food sources, and health impact.
Resources by Nutrient
Carbohydrates and Fiber
Food Sources of Dietary Fiber: Standard Portions
USDA. and HHS. DietaryGuidelines.gov.
Dietary Fiber Database
Jean Mayer. USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging. Tufts University; Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences.
Carbohydrates
HHS. National Institutes of Health. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. (Also in Spanish/Español)
Fiber
Clemson Cooperative Extension. Home & Garden Information Center.
Carbohydrates in the Diet
OSU Extension.
Facts about Carbohydrate
UF/IFAS Extension.
Facts about Fructose
UF/IFAS Extension.
Proposed Definition of Dietary Fiber
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Proteins and Amino Acids
Protein Foods
USDA. Food and Nutrition Service. Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.
Protein in Diet
HHS. National Institutes of Health. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. (Also in Spanish/Español)
Protein and the Body [PDF, 74 KB]
OSU Extension.
MyPlate—The Protein Group: Go Lean With Protein
New Mexico State University Extension.
Nutrition & Health Info Sheets for Health Professionals - Protein Requirements
University of California, Davis. Department of Nutrition.
Fats and Cholesterol
Top Sources of and Average Intakes of Saturated Fat: U.S. Population Ages 1 and Older
HHS. and USDA. DietaryGuidelines.gov. (Also in Spanish/Español)
Small Entity Compliance Guide: Trans Fatty Acids in Nutrition Labeling, Nutrient Content Claims, and Health Claims
HHS. Food and Drug Administration.
7 Things To Know About Omega-3 Fatty Acids
HHS. National Institutes of Health. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Dietary Fats Explained
HHS. National Institutes of Health. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. (Also in Spanish/Español)
Cholesterol
HHS. National Institutes of Health. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. (Also in Spanish/Español)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
HHS. National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements. (Also in Spanish/Español)
Cut Down on Saturated Fat
HHS. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (Also in Spanish/Español)
Dietary Fat and Cholesterol
OSU Extension.
Nutrition & Health Info Sheets for Health Professionals: Fat and Trans Fatty Acids
University of California, Davis. Department of Nutrition.
Water and Alcohol
About Water and Healthier Drinks
HHS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Drinking Water Quality
HHS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Bottled Water Everywhere: Keeping it Safe
HHS. Food and Drug Administration. (Also in Spanish/Español)
Alcohol Calorie Calculator and Drink Size Calculator
HHS. National Institutes of Health. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Make Healthy Drink Choices
HHS. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (Also in Spanish/Español)
Dietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Nutrition & Health Info Sheets for Health Professionals: Alcohol and Water
University of California, Davis. Department of Nutrition.