macronutrient
A calorie-containing component of food (e.g. fat, protein, carbohydrate) which is needed in significant quantities for normal growth, development and maintenance of health
In food safety and nutrition, a macronutrient is a nutrient that the body needs in large amounts to provide energy and support growth, development, and overall health. The main macronutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and water is sometimes included as well.
EFSA uses information about macronutrients to set Dietary Reference Values (DRVs), which are guidelines for how much of each macronutrient people should consume for good health. We assess typical intakes across populations, monitor risks of too much or too little of a nutrient, and provide advice to help informing food policies, labelling, and public health recommendations. This work contributes to ensuring that diets are balanced and safe while reducing the risk of diet-related diseases.