Major Nutrients in Food
Major Nutrients in FoodSkip to the navigationTopic OverviewThe major nutrients-protein, carbohydrate, and fat-provide the body
with energy. This energy keeps your heart beating, your brain active, and your
muscles working. The energy is measured in calories. Nutrients in foods| Nutrient | Function | Some sources |
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| Protein has 4 calories per gram | Provides energy; builds and repairs
body cells; part of various enzymes, hormones, and antibodies | Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, milk
and milk products, grains, seeds and nuts | | Carbohydrate has 4 calories per gram | Provides energy needed by the brain,
nervous system, and red blood cells | Breads, cereal grains, pasta, rice,
fruit, starchy vegetables, milk, sugar | | Fat has 9 calories per gram | Provides energy; carries fat-soluble nutrients (vitamins); part of cell membranes, membranes around
nerves, hormones, bile (for fat digestion) | Meat and poultry, some fish, milk and
milk products that are not fat-free, nuts and seeds, oils, butter, margarine, salad dressing, some
candy, some desserts | CreditsByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAnne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerRhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator Current as of:
May 4, 2017 Last modified on: 8 September 2017
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