What is the energy value of carbohydrates?

The energy value of carbohydrates is widely accepted to be approximately 17 kJ/g, but the more commonly used value for practical nutritional calculations is 4.0 kJ/g. This figure reflects the amount of energy released when carbohydrates are metabolized in the body. Carbohydrates serve as a primary source of energy for the body's metabolic processes, making this value crucial for understanding dietary energy contributions.

When considering the energy value of macronutrients, it's essential to remember that proteins and fats have different energy values (approximately 17 kJ/g for proteins and about 37 kJ/g for fats). This distinction is key in nutrition, as it informs dietary planning and understanding how different foods contribute to overall energy intake. Knowing that carbohydrates provide 4.0 kJ/g helps individuals and nutritionists evaluate the energy density of various foods and create balanced diets that meet energy needs.