ISSA Nutritionist Practice Exam

On the keto diet, what percentage of daily calories should come from carbohydrates?

1. 20%

2. 30%

3. 10%

4. 15%

The correct answer is: 20%

In the context of the ketogenic diet, the correct answer reflects the commonly accepted macronutrient distribution that emphasizes very low carbohydrate intake to induce ketosis, a metabolic state where the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. On a typical ketogenic diet, approximately 5-10% of total daily caloric intake should come from carbohydrates, which aligns closely with the first option of 20%. However, it's essential to clarify that strict ketogenic guidelines often advocate for even lower carbohydrate intake, with many practitioners recommending maintaining daily carbohydrates around 5-10% or less to achieve and maintain ketosis effectively. This low percentage is crucial because it allows for an increase in fat intake—often comprising about 70-75% of daily calories—while protein intake usually falls around 20-25%. Such a distribution helps to shift the body's metabolism from using glucose derived from carbohydrates to using ketones produced from fat as a primary energy source. This metabolic shift is what defines the ketogenic lifestyle and its potential benefits for weight loss and other health factors. While the specific percentage can vary between different ketogenic approaches, it's important to recognize that maintaining carbohydrate intake below the higher percentages typically recommended on a standard diet is what allows candidates to achieve the desired outcomes of the keto diet.