Which macronutrient provides the most energy per gram?

Study for the ELANCO Advanced Animal Science Exam. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each question. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which macronutrient provides the most energy per gram?

Explanation:
The main idea here is energy density—the amount of energy you get from each gram of a nutrient when it’s metabolized. Fats provide about 9 kilocalories per gram, which is much higher than carbohydrates and proteins, each around 4 kilocalories per gram. Fiber is not digested for energy by most animals, so it gives little usable energy. This is why fat is the most energy-dense macronutrient and why it serves as a major energy reserve in the body.

The main idea here is energy density—the amount of energy you get from each gram of a nutrient when it’s metabolized. Fats provide about 9 kilocalories per gram, which is much higher than carbohydrates and proteins, each around 4 kilocalories per gram. Fiber is not digested for energy by most animals, so it gives little usable energy. This is why fat is the most energy-dense macronutrient and why it serves as a major energy reserve in the body.

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