What is the recommended carbohydrate intake as a percentage of daily calories?

Prepare for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Test. Study with interactive quizzes and detailed explanations. Boost your exam readiness with our diverse question formats and in-depth content coverage.

Multiple Choice

What is the recommended carbohydrate intake as a percentage of daily calories?

Carbohydrates should supply a substantial portion of daily calories because they’re the body’s main energy source and a key fuel for the brain, providing 4 kcal per gram. Current guidelines recommend about 45-65% of total daily calories from carbohydrates, with 55-60% serving as a practical target for many adults. So the best choice is the 55-60% range, as it stays within the guideline while allowing room for fats and protein to contribute to energy and other needs. Lower ranges around 30-50% would be too low for most adults, and the higher range around 60-70% would exceed the upper limit of the guideline. Emphasize high-quality carbs—fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes—and limit added sugars.

Carbohydrates should supply a substantial portion of daily calories because they’re the body’s main energy source and a key fuel for the brain, providing 4 kcal per gram. Current guidelines recommend about 45-65% of total daily calories from carbohydrates, with 55-60% serving as a practical target for many adults. So the best choice is the 55-60% range, as it stays within the guideline while allowing room for fats and protein to contribute to energy and other needs. Lower ranges around 30-50% would be too low for most adults, and the higher range around 60-70% would exceed the upper limit of the guideline. Emphasize high-quality carbs—fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes—and limit added sugars.

More practice questions