Despite efforts over the past half-century, there is still a need for internationally harmonized methods and data. In fact, as described in Chapter 1, the development of new methods for analysing specific components of the energy-yielding macronutrients has increased the complexity and made this need greater than ever.
This chapter discusses the commonly used analytical methods for protein, fat and carbohydrate, and makes recommendations regarding the preferred methods for the current state of the art and available technology. Methods that continue to be acceptable when the preferred methods cannot be used are also noted. Analytical methods for alcohol, which can be a significant source of energy in some diets, polyols and organic acids were not discussed, and hence no recommendations for methods are made.