A public health nutritionist is calculating the caloric density of a mid-day meal that provides 45 g carbohydrate, 10 g protein, and 8 g fat. Using Atwater factors, what is the total energy content of this meal?
- A 292 kcal ✓
- B 252 kcal
- C 288 kcal
- D 320 kcal
Correct answer: A. 292 kcal
Explanation
Using standard Atwater physiological fuel values: Carbohydrate = 4 kcal/g, Protein = 4 kcal/g, Fat = 9 kcal/g. Energy = (45 × 4) + (10 × 4) + (8 × 9) = 180 + 40 + 72 = 292 kcal. These values are used for proximate analysis of food composition and planning balanced diets and supplementary feeding programmes.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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