The energy content of liquid fat relative to sugars/starches is described as which of the following?

The energy content of liquid fat relative to sugars/starches is described as which of the following?

• A. It provides 1.0 times energy.
• B. It provides 2.25 times more energy.
• C. It provides 0.5 times energy.
• D. It provides no energy.

Answer: (B)

Fats have a higher energy density than carbohydrates because they are more reduced and contain more hydrogen. When oxidized, fat yields about 9 kcal per gram, while sugars and starches yield about 4 kcal per gram. The ratio 9 divided by 4 gives 2.25, so fat provides roughly 2.25 times more energy per unit weight than sugars or starches. That’s why liquid fat is described as delivering 2.25 times more energy relative to sugars/starches. The other statements would imply equal energy, half as much, or no energy, which doesn’t match the much higher energy yield of fat.

Fats have a higher energy density than carbohydrates because they are more reduced and contain more hydrogen. When oxidized, fat yields about 9 kcal per gram, while sugars and starches yield about 4 kcal per gram. The ratio 9 divided by 4 gives 2.25, so fat provides roughly 2.25 times more energy per unit weight than sugars or starches. That’s why liquid fat is described as delivering 2.25 times more energy relative to sugars/starches. The other statements would imply equal energy, half as much, or no energy, which doesn’t match the much higher energy yield of fat.