Should sodium be considered a macronutrient? Why or why not?
No, Macronutrients are the nutrients we need in larger quantities that provide us with energy: in other words, fat, protein and carbohydrate. Micronutrients are mostly vitamins and minerals, and are equally important but consumed in very small amounts. If you consumed sodium in quantities similar to that of macronutrients, you would probably die.
No. Macronutrients are nutrients our body needs in very large amounts (i.e. carbohydrates, protein, fats). These provide our body with energy/calories and structure (in the case of protein). Micronutrients are nutrients our body needs in smaller amounts (i.e. vitamins, minerals, trace elements, etc). We generally get our micronutrients along with our macronutrients (hopefully, unless you consume an extremely high-processed diet). Mother nature packs micronutrients and macronutrients together, oftentimes in unique combinations that ensure optimal absorption (i.e. fatty foods that contain fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K or low-fat, water-rich fruits that contain water-soluble vitamin C).
No? As a mineral, its a micronutrient. There’s no reason for it to be otherwise.
Macronutrients are the calorific components of food. Protein (amino acids), carbohydrates (various forms of sugar and starch), and fat (fatty acids).
Vitamins and minerals don’t provide calories, but make up (often essential) parts of food. They’re micronutrients.