How come we get 4 calories per gram of protein (which is composed my amino acids) but when we consume EEA supplements with similar amino acids profiles we get 0 calories?
In: 0
Yes, those supplements are worth roughly 4 Cal per gram. Same metabolic pathways as if you were eating protein.
But, those metabolic pathways are narrow, especially for essential amino acids. If you convert EAA requirements to calorie equivalents, they’re each less than 1% of basal metabolic rate. Sure, your liver can probably detox several times more than the required intake (and recycle those contents to energy), but **EAAs themselves are more like vitamins than a useful energy source.**
BMR is about 20 Cal per kg of lean weight, equivalent to about 5,000 mg of protein. [EAA requirements here](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22243-amino-acids), but they’re typically 20-40mg.
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