Calories, nutrients are not the same thing

Question: Is a calorie the same thing as a nutrient?

Answer: A calorie is not a nutrient. It is a measure of the energy supplied by food when it is used by the body.

Our bodies need energy for activity as well as for body processes (digestion, heartbeat, breathing, etc.) However, calories in excess of what your body needs are stored in the body as fat.

The nutrients that supply calories (energy) are carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Carbohydrates and proteins supply the body with 4 calories per gram; whereas fats supply the body with 9 calories per gram. The alcohol in alcoholic beverages also supplies calories at the rate of 7 calories per gram. Vitamins, minerals and water are also classified as nutrients.

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