Nutrition calorie counts: which macronutrient provides 9 kcal per gram?

Nutrition calorie counts: which macronutrient provides 9 kcal per gram?

• A. Carbohydrates
• B. Ethanol
• C. Fat
• D. Protein

Answer: (C)

Energy content differs by nutrient when our bodies metabolize them. Fat is the most energy-dense, providing about 9 kilocalories per gram, because its chemical structure stores a lot of energy in its bonds. Carbohydrates and protein each yield about 4 kilocalories per gram, so they supply less energy per gram. Ethanol provides around 7 kilocalories per gram, which is energy-rich too, but still less than fat. Therefore, among the options, fat is the best answer since it delivers the highest energy per gram.

Energy content differs by nutrient when our bodies metabolize them. Fat is the most energy-dense, providing about 9 kilocalories per gram, because its chemical structure stores a lot of energy in its bonds. Carbohydrates and protein each yield about 4 kilocalories per gram, so they supply less energy per gram. Ethanol provides around 7 kilocalories per gram, which is energy-rich too, but still less than fat. Therefore, among the options, fat is the best answer since it delivers the highest energy per gram.