Science behind 40/30/30?

stumblinthrulife
stumblinthrulife Posts: 2,558 Member
in Food and Nutrition
40/30/30 is the oft recommended macro split, both here and elsewhere on these here intertubes. But can someone cite the science behind it?

I find that 40/30/30 is perfect for me to meet the 1g protein per pound of lean mass, and 0.35g of fat per pound of mass. Is that the genesis of the advice? If so, can someone cite the science behind these two figures?

Or is it purely trial and error that have shown these figures as being optimum? I've nothing against learning from others' mistakes, I just like to know the provenance of advice like this.

Replies

  • _noob_
    _noob_ Posts: 3,306 Member
    it's not at all some verified "ideal" ratio, but like you mention it does usually allow for at least 1g/lb lean body mass protein (which is sort of the unofficial "best guess" of the max protein required to maintain LBM during weight loss), and 30% fat is just a good number to ensure adequate fat intake. The carb ratio is just kind of what's left.

    It doesn't really come from a consesus of peer review though more than just good #'s based loosely on best guesses from hard studies.

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