Nutrients

There are seven major classes of nutrients: carbohydrates, fats, fiber,

minerals, protein, vitamins, and water.

These nutrient classes can be categorized as either macronutrients

(needed in relatively large amounts) or micronutrients (needed in smaller
quantities). The macronutrients are carbohydrates, fats, fiber, proteins,
and water. The micronutrients are minerals and vitamins.

The macronutrients provide energy, which is measured in Joules or

kilocalories called carbohydrates and proteins provide 17 kJ (4 kcal) of
energy per gram, while fats provide 37 kJ (9 kcal) per gram.Vitamins,
minerals, fiber, and water do not provide energy, but are necessary for
other reasons.

Molecules of carbohydrates and fats consist of carbon, hydrogen, and

oxygen atoms. Carbohydrates range from simple glucose, fructose,
galactose to complex starch.Fats are triglycerides, made of various fatty
acid monomers bound to glycerol. Some fatty acids, but not all, are
essential in the diet, they cannot be synthesized in the body. Protein
molecules contain nitrogen atoms in addition to the elements of
carbohydrates and fats. The nitrogen-containing monomers of protein are
amino acids, and they include some essential amino acids. They fulfill many
roles other than energy metabolism; and when they are used as fuel,
getting rid of the nitrogen places a burden on the kidneys.

Most foods contain a mix of some or all of the nutrient classes. Some
nutrients are required regularly, while others are needed only occasionally.
Poor health can be caused by an imbalance of nutrients, whether an excess
or a deficiency.