I am having difficulty with calculating the energy-yielding nutrients to gram and calories in order to figure out percent of energy contributed by that nutrient.
To calculate the percent of energy contributed by a particular nutrient, you need to know the energy-yielding nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) in grams and calories. Here's how you can calculate it:
1. Determine the total calorie content of the food or meal. This information is usually available on the food packaging or can be found in food databases or nutrition calculators. Let's assume you have the total calorie content.
2. Calculate the total calories contributed by each energy-yielding nutrient:
- Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates provide 4 calories per gram. Multiply the total grams of carbohydrates by 4 to get the total calories from carbohydrates.
- Proteins: Proteins also provide 4 calories per gram. Multiply the total grams of proteins by 4 to get the total calories from proteins.
- Fats: Fats provide 9 calories per gram. Multiply the total grams of fats by 9 to get the total calories from fats.
3. Add up the total calories from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats calculated in step 2 to get the total energy content of the food.
4. Calculate the percentage of energy contributed by each nutrient:
- Carbohydrates: Divide the total calories from carbohydrates by the total energy content of the food, then multiply by 100 to get the percentage.
- Proteins: Divide the total calories from proteins by the total energy content of the food, then multiply by 100 to get the percentage.
- Fats: Divide the total calories from fats by the total energy content of the food, then multiply by 100 to get the percentage.
5. Add up the percentages of energy contributed by carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The sum should be close to 100%.
By following these steps, you will be able to calculate the percent of energy contributed by each nutrient in a food or meal.