The thermic effect of food (specific dynamic action) represents the increase in energy expenditure above basal levels following ingestion of a meal. This increment is highest for which macronutrient?

• A Carbohydrate
• B Fat
• C Medium chain triglycerides
• D Protein ✓

Explanation

Protein has the highest specific dynamic action, about 30% of its caloric value is consumed in processing it (deamination, urea synthesis), compared with roughly 5 to 6% for carbohydrate and about 4% for fat. Mixed meals cost about 10%. Fat is actually the cheapest nutrient to process, so option B is the classic wrong pick. This is why high protein diets slightly raise total daily energy expenditure.

Reference: Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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