In human nutrition, how many kilocalories (kcal) are provided by 1 gram of alcohol (ethanol)?

• A. 9 kcal per gram
• B. 0 kcal per gram
• C. 4 kcal per gram
• D. 7 kcal per gram

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the energy content of macronutrients is measured in kilocalories (kcal) per gram, which indicates how much energy the body can obtain from consuming 1 gram of that substance.
2. Recall the standard energy values for the main macronutrients: carbohydrates provide 4 kcal/g, proteins provide 4 kcal/g, fats provide 9 kcal/g, and alcohol (ethanol) provides a different value.
3. Recognize that alcohol is not a macronutrient essential for nutrition but still provides energy when metabolized by the body.
4. Use the known energy value for alcohol, which is 7 kcal per gram, meaning that each gram of ethanol yields 7 kilocalories of energy upon metabolism.
5. Therefore, the number of kilocalories provided by 1 gram of alcohol (ethanol) is 7 kcal.