FREE Macro Coach Macronutrient Science Fundamentals Questions and Answers Flashcards

Which metabolic pathway converts excess glucose into fatty acids for long-term energy storage?

Answer: De novo lipogenesis

De novo lipogenesis is the biochemical process by which the body synthesizes new fatty acids from excess acetyl-CoA derived from carbohydrates.

A client following a ketogenic diet severely restricts carbohydrates. Which molecules does the liver produce to fuel the brain in the absence of glucose?

Answer: Ketone bodies

When carbohydrate availability is very low, the liver converts fatty acids into ketone bodies (acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate) to supply the brain with energy.

What is the thermic effect of food (TEF) percentage range typically associated with dietary protein?

Answer: 20–30%

Protein has the highest thermic effect of all macronutrients, requiring 20–30% of its caloric value just for digestion, absorption, and metabolism.

Which essential fatty acids must be obtained through diet because the human body cannot synthesize them?

Answer: Linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3)

Linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) are the two essential fatty acids humans must consume because we lack the enzymes to create them.

During prolonged exercise, what process allows the body to generate glucose from non-carbohydrate sources such as amino acids?

Answer: Gluconeogenesis

Gluconeogenesis produces new glucose from substrates like amino acids, lactate, and glycerol when glycogen stores are depleted.

When tracking macros for a client, a macro coach calculates that 35% of a 2,400 kcal diet should come from fat. How many grams of fat does this represent?

Answer: 93g

2,400 × 0.35 = 840 kcal from fat; 840 ÷ 9 kcal/g = 93.3g of fat.