Energy and nutrients – CCEAEnergy values of protein, fat and carbohydrates
The human body converts the food consumed into energy in order to function and stay alive. The nutrients in food each provide a different amount of energy to the body.
Recommended energy values of protein, fat and carbohydrates
Carbohydrates, proteins and fats provide the energy obtained from food.
Each nutrient provides a different amount of energy, measured in kilocalories:
1 gram of carbohydrate provides 3.75 kilocalories.
1 gram of protein provides 4 kilocalories
1 gram of fat provides 9 kilocalories
All individuals over the age of 2 have a recommendation to follow for the percentage of recommended daily energy intake.
These are referred to as Dietary Reference Values (DRVs)Dietary Reference Values (DRVs) are a series of estimates of the energy and nutritional requirements of different groups of healthy people in the UK population, set by the government. and are set by the government as:
Total carbohydrates – 50% with no more than 5% from free sugars.
Total fat – no more than 35% with no more than 11% from saturates.