According to dietary guidelines for lipids, about what percentage of total daily calories should come from fat?

• A. About 70–80% of total daily calories
• B. About 40–55% of total daily calories
• C. About 20–35% of total daily calories
• D. About 5–10% of total daily calories

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that dietary guidelines recommend a specific range of total daily calories that should come from fat to maintain a healthy diet and reduce risk of chronic diseases.
2. Recall that fats are a macronutrient providing 9 calories per gram, and the guidelines focus on balancing fat intake with carbohydrates and proteins.
3. Identify the commonly accepted range for fat intake as a percentage of total daily calories, which is generally between 20% and 35%.
4. Recognize that values like 70–80% or 40–55% are too high and not aligned with standard dietary recommendations, while 5–10% is too low to meet essential fatty acid needs.
5. Conclude that the correct guideline is about 20–35% of total daily calories coming from fat, which supports overall health and nutrient balance.