Description

Different dietary sources provide different amounts of energy. The daily reference values (DRVs) give the recommended combination of macronutrients in order to meet a given caloric need.


 

Daily reference values for a daily diet:

(1) total fat should be approximately 30% of calories but in general should not exceed 65 grams per day. With higher caloric needs (above 2000 calories per day) this upper limit can be raised (to 80 grams/day at 2500 kcal/day).

(2) saturated fat should be less than 20 grams per day in most diets. With higher caloric needs (above 2000 calories ) this upper limit can be raised (to 25 grams/day at 2500 kcal/day).

(3) cholesterol should be less than 300 mg per day

(4) protein should compose about 10% of total calories

(5) the remainder of calories is in the form of carbohydrates, which should be about 60% of total caloric intake

(6) fiber intake should be 11.5 grams for every 1000 calories

(7) sodium intake should be less than 2400 milligrams

 

Food

Energy per gram

protein

4 kcal

carbohydrates

4 kcal

fat

9 kcal

alcohol

7 kcal

 


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