Regarding the thermic effect of food, the macronutrient that increases energy expenditure the MOST after ingestion is:

• A Fat
• B Carbohydrate
• C Alcohol
• D Protein ✓

Explanation

The thermic effect represents the energy cost of digestion, absorption, and processing. Protein induces about 20 to 30 percent of its own caloric value as extra expenditure, far exceeding carbohydrate at 5 to 10 percent and fat at 0 to 3 percent, because amino acids require deamination and urea synthesis. Alcohol has a modest thermic effect of around 10 to 15 percent but does not exceed protein, eliminating option C. This high cost partly underlies the satiating property of high-protein diets.

Reference: Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry, 31st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.