How many kilocalories does Dextrose provide per gram?

Dextrose, a simple sugar and carbohydrate, provides 4.0 kilocalories per gram when metabolized by the body. This value is significant in both nutrition and clinical settings because it allows healthcare providers to estimate caloric intake and energy needs effectively, especially in pediatric patients who may require specific considerations regarding their growth and development.

Understanding the caloric value of carbohydrates like dextrose is critical, particularly in contexts such as total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or in managing diabetic patients where carbohydrate intake must be closely monitored. The value reflects the energy that the body can derive from dextrose during metabolic processes, contributing to overall caloric requirements for maintaining bodily functions or promoting growth.

The other values presented in the question do not correspond to the caloric content of dextrose. While fats and proteins have different caloric values that are reflected in the incorrect answers, they are distinct macronutrients and serve different roles in nutrition, amplifying why understanding the specific caloric content of carbohydrates like dextrose is essential for proper dietary formulation.