Diet-induced thermogenesis in man: thermic effects of single proteins, carbohydrates and fats depending on their energy amount.

The diet-induced thermogenesis of 12 healthy males of normal body weight was measured by means of indirect calorimetry over 6 h after test meals of 1, 2 or 4 MJ protein (white egg, gelatin, casein), carbohydrate (starch, hydrolyzed starch) or fat (sunflower oil, butter). The totals of the thermic responses proved to be dependent on the type of nutrient supplied as much as on its quantity. The effect of 1 MJ protein was at least three times as large as that of an isocaloric carbohydrate supply. The investigated dietary fats produced no evident thermic response. The doubling of the energy intake of either casein or hydrolyzed starch led to the approximate doubling of the thermic effect.