Study GuidesCISSNMacronutrients
CISSN Topic Guide

Macronutrients

Macronutrient questions connect carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism to energy availability, recovery, and adaptation.

What the exam tends to ask

How carbohydrate, fat, and protein contribute to ATP resynthesis.
Why exercise intensity and duration change fuel use.
How protein and carbohydrate availability influence recovery and muscle protein balance.

Must-know concepts

Carbohydrate

A major fuel for higher-intensity work and a key recovery substrate when glycogen depletion matters.

Fat

A dense energy source with a larger role at lower intensities and longer durations.

Protein

Central to repair, adaptation, and net protein balance rather than being the primary high-intensity fuel.

Practice prompts

  1. 01Explain why carbohydrate availability matters more as intensity rises.
  2. 02Compare a fueling priority for endurance training versus hypertrophy-oriented lifting.