Highest energy yielding food group is?

Appeared in: SJH Nursing Officer - 2019

Explanation

Fats are the most energy-dense macronutrient, providing approximately 9 kilocalories (kcal) of energy per gram.
This energy yield is more than double that of carbohydrates and proteins, which each provide about 4 kcal per gram.
The body utilizes fats for long-term energy storage, insulation, and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Option A: Carbohydrates provide approximately 4 kcal per gram, which is significantly less than the 9 kcal per gram provided by fats.
Option C: Sugars are a form of simple carbohydrates and, like other carbohydrates, provide 4 kcal per gram.
Option D: Protein provides 4 kcal per gram, the same as carbohydrates and less than half that of fats. Its primary role is structural and functional, not energy provision.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Macronutrient Energy Yield as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses use knowledge of macronutrient energy yields to plan diets for patients with specific health goals, such as high-calorie diets for weight gain in conditions like cancer cachexia or low-calorie diets for weight management.
Patient education on the energy density of fats is crucial for managing obesity, dyslipidemia, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
What if? If a patient requires a ketogenic diet (very high fat, very low carbohydrate) for a condition like refractory epilepsy, the nurse must monitor for potential side effects like hyperlipidemia, kidney stones, and nutrient deficiencies, while ensuring adequate caloric intake primarily from fats.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the key phrase in the question: 'highest energy yielding'. This points to a question about the caloric density of macronutrients.
This is a factual recall question from basic nutrition.
Recall the standard energy values for the main food groups: Fats, Proteins, and Carbohydrates.
Compare the values: Fat provides ~9 kcal/g, while Protein and Carbohydrates each provide ~4 kcal/g.
Recognize that 'Sugars' are a type of carbohydrate and thus also provide ~4 kcal/g.
Select the food group with the highest value, which is Fats.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e p. 55-57

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 439-441

E6 Physiology Ganong 27e Vol 2 Part 1 p. 24-26

Practise the full SJH Nursing Officer - 2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.