Macro partitioning
Reconstructed Paleolithic diets characterized by moderate-to-high protein (25-29 en%), moderate-to-high fat (30-39 en%), and moderate carbohydrates (39-40 en%) provide a nutritional template that contrasts with Western diets by offering higher protein and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) while maintaining lower linoleic acid (LA) levels.
To align with the reconstructed Paleolithic nutritional profile, aim for a diet where protein and fat each contribute roughly 25-40% of your total energy intake, and carbohydrates make up the remaining 40%. Prioritize sources of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) like fatty fish and organ meats, and ensure your linoleic acid intake is lower than typical Western standards by minimizing seed oils.
We found (range of medians in en%) intakes of moderate-to-high protein (25– 29), moderate-to-high fat (30–39) and moderate carbohydrates (39– 40)... We conclude that compared with Western diets, Paleolithic diets contained consistently higher protein and LCP, and lower LA.
Why this rating
The study is a modeling/reconstruction study based on food databases and anthropological assumptions, not a randomized controlled trial (RCT) or observational cohort with measured health outcomes.
Source
Estimated macronutrient and fatty acid intakes from an East African Paleolithic diet
Remko S. Kuipers et al. · British Journal Of Nutrition · 2010
DOI 10.1017/s0007114510002679
Related findings · Macro partitioning
- Total daily protein intake of 1.6 g/kg/day is sufficient for maximizing resistance training-induced muscle gains, with an upper confidence interval of 2.2 g/kg/day.Strong
- Resistance exercise training combined with sufficient dietary protein intake acts synergistically to maximize skeletal muscle hypertrophy, with protein intake saturating around 1.6 g/kg/day for general populations and potentially requiring 2.0-2.2 g/kg/day for resistance-trained individuals.Strong
- Trans fats should be completely eliminated from the diet, as they increase LDL cholesterol, decrease HDL cholesterol, and are directly associated with increased coronary risk.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →