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Macronutrient Partitioning

Meaning

Macronutrient partitioning is a complex physiological concept describing how the body allocates ingested energy substrates—carbohydrates, fats, and proteins—toward either storage (as fat or glycogen) or utilization (for energy or tissue synthesis). This process is not fixed but is dynamically regulated by the endocrine system, with hormones acting as master conductors determining whether calories are preferentially directed toward lean muscle mass accrual or adipose tissue deposition. An individual’s partitioning efficiency is a key determinant of body composition, metabolic health, and overall wellness.