Question

What is the differences in macronutrient levels of calories, protein and carbs mainly?

Answer 1

1 gm of Carbohydrate = 1 gm of protein= 4 Calories

1 gm of fat= 9 calories

Macronutrients are needed in larger quantities (in gram range). They normally include water, carbohydrates, fat and protein. Macronutrients (except water) are also called energy-providing nutrients. Energy is measured in calories ,and is essential for the body to grow, repair and develop new tissues, conduct nerve impulses and regulate life process.

Carbohydrates – are required for energy and provide body’s main source of energy (4 calories per gram); they form the major part of stored food in the body for later use of energy and exist in three form: sugar, starch and fiber. The brain works entirely on glucose alone. When in excess, it is stored in the liver as Glycogen. Carbohydrates are also important for fat oxidation and can also be converted into protein.

Fats – are used in making steroids and hormones, serve as solvents for hormones and fat soluble vitamins. Fats have the highest caloric content and provide the largest amount of energy when burnt. When measured by a calorimeter, fats provide about 9 calories per gram of fat, making them twice as energy-rich than protein and carbohydrates. Extra fat is stored in adipose tissue and is burnt when the body has run out of carbohydrates.

Proteins – they provide amino acids and make up most of the cell structure including the cell membrane. They are the last to be used of all macronutrients. In cases of extreme starvation, the muscles in the body, that are made up of proteins, are used to provide energy. This is called muscle wasting. As for carbohydrates, proteins also provide 4 calories per gram.
There is no caloric difference between proteins and carbohydrates.