Most people are familiar with the macronutrients: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. These are the nutrients that are required in large amounts to maintain human health, and they are typically found on nutrition labels. However, there is one type of macromolecule that is not included on nutrition labels: fiber.
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest. It is found in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Although fiber is not digested by the body, it is important for maintaining bowel health and preventing constipation.
The recommended daily intake of fiber varies depending on age and gender. For example, the American Heart Association recommends that men aged 51 and older consume 30 grams of fiber per day, while women aged 51 and older should consume 21 grams per day. Fiber intake can also be increased by adding more plant-based foods to your diet or taking a fiber supplement.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are one of the three main macromolecules that are not required to be listed on nutrition labels, along with fat and protein. All other nutrients must be listed, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The FDA does not require food manufacturers to list the amount of carbohydrates because they are considered to be a part of the “total calories” in a food.
Lipids
Lipids are a type of macromolecule that are not included on nutrition labels. Lipids are composed of triglycerides, which are made up of three fatty acids. Fatty acids are made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Lipids are important for cell membranes, energy storage, and hormones.
Proteins
Proteins are not included on nutrition labels because they are not required by the FDA. Proteins are considered to be a part of a healthy diet, but the FDA does not require them to be listed on food labels.
Vitamins
Most people know that nutrition labels list the amounts of macronutrients like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in a given food. But there is another type of macromolecule that is not typically included on these labels: vitamins.
Vitamins are essential nutrients that perform a variety of functions in the body, from boosting the immune system to helping convert food into energy. While we only need small amounts of vitamins, they are vital for our health.
There are two main types of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water and are not stored by the body, so we need a regular supply from our diet. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body’s fatty tissue and can build up to toxic levels if we consume too much.
While all vitamins are important, some are especially critical for certain groups of people. For example, pregnant women need extra folic acid to help prevent birth defects, while older adults may need higher doses of vitamin B12 and vitamin D to maintain bone health.
Minerals
Most people are familiar with the macronutrients: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. These are the nutrients that are required in large amounts to maintain human health, and they are typically found on nutrition labels. However, there is another type of macromolecule that is not usually included on nutrition labels: minerals.
Minerals are essential nutrients that play a variety of roles in the body. For example, calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth, while iron is needed for healthy blood cells. Although minerals are required in smaller amounts than carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, they are just as important for maintaining human health.
Phytochemicals
Most people are familiar with the macromolecules that are included on nutrition labels: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and fiber. However, there is another type of macromolecule found in food that is not typically listed: phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are plant-based compounds that have a variety of health benefits. Some phytochemicals act as antioxidants, protecting cells from damage. Others have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. While more research is needed to understand the full effects of phytochemicals, there is no doubt that they play an important role in human health.
Water
Water is a macromolecule, but it is not included on nutrition labels. The reason for this is that water does not provide any calories or nutrients. Water is essential for life, but it does not contribute to our daily intake of calories or nutrients.
