Thermic Effect of Food Calculator
Calculate the energy expended digesting, absorbing, and assimilating nutrients
Net metabolizable calories remaining: 1945 kcal/day
Mathematical Formula & Scientific Methodology
Formula: Macronutrient Specific Dynamic Action
TEF = (Protein kcal × 0.25) + (Carb kcal × 0.08) + (Fat kcal × 0.02)Quantifies the obligatory heat loss and metabolic work generated by digesting and processing macronutrients.
Model Assumptions
- Typical mixed solid food meals
Variables & Standard Units
| Symbol | Physiological Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Has 20-30% thermic cost due to peptide bond cleavage and urea synthesis | dimensionless |
| Carbohydrates | Has 5-10% thermic cost for glycogen storage | dimensionless |
| Fats | Has 0-3% thermic cost (most thermodynamically efficient to store) | dimensionless |
Scientific Limitations
- Highly processed liquid diets show slightly reduced TEF compared to whole foods
Peer-Reviewed Scientific Citations
A new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure in healthy individuals (1990)
Mifflin MD, St Jeor ST, Hill LA, Scott BJ, Daugherty SA, Koh YO (1990) — The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 51(2), 241-247
Key Finding: Mifflin-St Jeor equation is accurate within ±10% of measured REE in non-obese and obese individuals, recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as the most reliable standard equation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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