Question

Write R.Q. for carbohydrates, fats and proteins?

Answer 1

The respiratory quotient (RQ) is the ratio of CO${}_2$ produced to O${}_2$ consumed while food is being metabolized. RQ can be calculated using the formula, RQ = CO${}_2$ eliminated/O${}_2$ consumed. It is a dimensionless number used in calculations of basal metabolic rate (BMR) when estimated from carbon dioxide production. A value of 0.7 indicates that lipids are being metabolized, 0.8 for proteins, and 1.0 for carbohydrates.