How many calories per gram do carbohydrates provide?

Carbohydrates provide a fundamental energy source for the body, delivering four calories per gram. This caloric value is essential for understanding macronutrient contributions to energy intake and is crucial for anyone studying nutrition and exercise science. Since carbohydrates are often the primary fuel source during high-intensity exercise, recognizing their caloric content helps individuals in planning their diet to maintain energy levels necessary for physical performance.

In contrast, other macronutrients have different caloric values; for instance, fats provide nine calories per gram, while proteins also provide four calories per gram but serve different functional roles in the body. Understanding these distinctions is pivotal for creating balanced nutrition plans tailored to specific physical requirements.