ChemMatters: The Science Behind Calories and Nutrition Facts Labels



Our latest ChemMatters episode explains the science behind calories and nutrition facts labels. Find out how scientists first determined the calorie content of food in the 1800s, and how fat, protein and carbohydrate levels on nutrition facts labels are found today.

The video explains that the calorie content of food was determined in the late 1800s by chemist Wilbur O. Atwater. Atwater built a four by eight foot device called a respiration calorimeter, which was big enough to allow a person to step into it! It measured the amount of heat they released, the amount of oxygen they consumed and the carbon dioxide they gave off after eating a variety of foods.

Using this device, Atwater was able to measure the precise amount of energy contained in thousands of food items. He found that carbohydrates and proteins were worth 4 Calories per gram and fats about 9 Calories per gram. This 4-9-4 rule is at the heart of how nutrition facts labels are determined today.

Produced by the American Chemical Society
Animation and motion graphics by Sean Parsons
Directed by Adam Dylewski and Sean Parsons

Subscribe to ChemMatters!
http://portal.acs.org/portal/PublicWe...

Test your nutritional facts knowledge with our latest ChemMatters quiz!
http://www.bytesizescience.com/index....

Video Length: 06:12
Uploaded By: BytesizeScience
View Count: 178,227


Like us on Facebook:
Follow us on Twitter:


End Boring Workouts! Shop Now at Aviron!
End Boring Workouts! Shop Now at Aviron!
Free Shipping on 69+ Free Shipping on any orders over $69.
Shop Diet Direct and get free shipping now!


Featured Products
BariWise Meal Replacement Shake, Vanilla (7ct)
BariWise Meal Replacement Shake, Vanilla (7ct)

High Protein - An Incredible 35 grams Per Shake Low Fat - 1.5 grams Per Shake Contains Only 3 grams of Sugar Per Shake Aspartame Free 240 Calories Per Serving Gluten Free Enriched ...

Our Price: 24.95

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (4 out of 5)


BariWise Protein Potato Chips, BBQ (7ct)
BariWise Protein Potato Chips, BBQ (7ct)

High Protein - 10 grams Per Single Serving Bag Low Carb - 9g Net Carbs* High Fiber - 5 Grams Lower Fat - 4 grams Per Single Serving Bag Gluten Free Each Bag is a Generous Single ...

Our Price: 14.95

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (5 out of 5)


Celebrate Multivitamin Chewables, Grape (60ct)
Celebrate Multivitamin Chewables, Grape (60ct)

Smooth texture and great taste Contains the highest level of B-12 available in a bariatric multivitamin Contains the most appropriate levels of each vitamin Allows your body to regulate its ...

List Price: $17.95
Our Price: 9.95

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (4 out of 5)


How to Start a Keto Diet
How to Start a Keto Diet
The ketogenic diet has been rising in popularity, and for good reason — it is simple and yields significant results. Whether you want to lose fat, increase energy, ...
Video Length: 05:16
Uploaded By: RuledMe
View Count: 4,113,518

10 BEST EXERCISES TO START GROWING YOUR BOOTY ?? | Beginner Friendly Butt Workout | No Equipment
10 BEST EXERCISES TO START GROWING YOUR BOOTY ?? | Beginner Friendly Butt Workout | No Equipment
MY NEW (2022) BOOTY BOOST PROGRAM IS LIVE! https://getfitbyivana.com My Booty Boost program is designed to achieve ...
Video Length: 12:23
Uploaded By: getfitbyivana
View Count: 23,381,264

Aerobics workout for beginner | weight loss workout | cardio | Vishal Prajapati | 2018
Aerobics workout for beginner | weight loss workout | cardio | Vishal Prajapati | 2018
facebook link : https://www.facebook.com/vishu.dance.5 instagram link : https://www.instagram.com/vdesidancefitness/ Instagram ...
Video Length: 08:24
Uploaded By: V-desi dance fitness
View Count: 7,420,757