Macro Coach Macronutrient Science 1 Flashcards

How many calories per gram does protein provide?

Answer: 4 calories

Protein provides 4 calories per gram, the same as carbohydrates. This is a foundational value in macronutrient calorie accounting used by macro coaches.

Which macronutrient is the body's preferred immediate source of energy during high-intensity exercise?

Answer: Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is rapidly available for ATP production during high-intensity efforts. Fat oxidation is too slow to meet peak energy demands.

What term describes the thermic effect of food (TEF) percentage range typically attributed to protein?

Answer: 20–30%

Protein has a thermic effect of approximately 20–30%, meaning the body expends significantly more energy digesting protein than carbohydrates (5–10%) or fat (0–3%).

In a standard macro-tracking approach, which value is used to calculate total daily carbohydrate calories?

Answer: 4 kcal per gram

Carbohydrates are assigned 4 kcal per gram in standard nutritional calculations. Multiplying total carbohydrate grams by 4 gives the caloric contribution from carbs.

Which type of fatty acid is typically solid at room temperature and found primarily in animal products?

Answer: Saturated fatty acid

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds in their carbon chains, making them structurally stable and solid at room temperature. They are predominantly found in animal-based foods like butter, meat, and dairy.

What is the primary function of essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6?

Answer: Serving as structural components of cell membranes and precursors to signaling molecules

Essential fatty acids are critical structural components of phospholipid cell membranes and serve as precursors to eicosanoids and other signaling molecules that regulate inflammation, immune response, and other physiological processes.