International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Trainer Practice Exam

True or false: The preferred unit in metabolic studies and nutrition labels is the kilocalorie (kcal).

1. True

2. False

3. Neither true nor false

4. Only true in the U.S.

The correct answer is: True

The preferred unit in metabolic studies and nutrition labels is indeed the kilocalorie (kcal). This unit is commonly used to quantify the amount of energy provided by food and beverages. In the context of nutrition, a kilocalorie represents the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius, making it a practical and convenient measurement for understanding dietary energy intake. The use of kilocalories on nutrition labels is standardized in many countries, as it provides a clear and accessible way for consumers to understand the energy content of their food. This familiarity with the kilocalorie helps individuals make informed dietary choices and manage energy balance in the context of their overall health and fitness goals. While other units, such as the calorie (cal) or joule (J), are used in various scientific contexts, the widespread use of kilocalories in nutrition makes it the most recognized and effective unit for practical application in metabolic studies and dietary guidelines.