How many calories are in a gram of amino acids?

Answer 1

It may depend on the exact amino acid. The variety of amino acids comes from their differing molecular structures. For instance, a molecule of Glutamine, a nonessential amino acid, is made up of a combination of molecules which results in 5 atomic bonds (2 oxygen (O) atoms, atomically bonded to an hydroxide molecule (OH), one NH2 molecule and an H2N molecule).

Calories come from the energy that is released from the breaking of chemical bonds. It seems the combination of bonds (the amount or the type) which make up a molecule would ultimately effect how many calories it contains. Therefore, a gram of Glutamine, for example, may not contain the same amount of calories as a gram of Valine, another type of amino acid.

What I can say is that basic nutrition says that:

(1) 1 Gram of Fat = 9 Calories (kcals)

while

(2) 1 Gram of Protein or Carbohydrates = 4 Calories (kcals)

and

(3) 1 Gram of Alcohol = 7 Calories (kcals)

These are all basic averages and are no where near exact but are suitable for use in everyday diet management.

To more precisely answer your Question: "How many calories are in 1g of Amino Acids?

According to my particular supplement facts there is 15 calories in 4.5 grams of pure L-Glutamine.

15 calories / 4.5 grams of L-Glutamine = 3.3333 Calories in 1 gram

Answer 2

5.4