Learn Glossary physiology

Respiratory quotient

Ratio of CO2 expired to O2 consumed.

Also: RQ

Index of substrate oxidation: ~1.0 for pure carbohydrate, ~0.7 for fat, ~0.8 for mixed protein. Measured via indirect calorimetry.

How one textbook covers it

  • Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, 8th ed. (Gropper)Glossary

    Index of substrate oxidation: ~1.0 for pure carbohydrate, ~0.7 for fat, ~0.8 for mixed protein. Measured via indirect calorimetry.

Related terms

Indirect calorimetry