How many calories are provided by one gram of carbohydrate?

Carbohydrates are a primary source of energy for the body, and they provide approximately 4 calories per gram. This caloric value is crucial for understanding how to balance macronutrients in dietary planning and meal preparation. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which fuels the brain and muscles, making their caloric content essential knowledge for personal trainers and nutritionists when formulating fitness and diet plans for clients.

The other options reflect the caloric values of other macronutrients; for instance, fats provide about 9 calories per gram, while proteins offer about 4 calories per gram as well. The value of 2 calories per gram is not associated with any of the major macronutrients in dietary nutrition, thus reinforcing that 4 calories per gram is the standard for carbohydrates. Understanding these values is fundamental in determining the total caloric intake and energy expenditure for clients.