How many calories are in 1 gram of dextrose?

• A. 3
• B. 3.4
• C. 4
• D. 3.8

Answer: (B)

The energy value you use for carbohydrates in nutrition support depends on the specific chemical form. Dextrose given in IV fluids is usually dextrose monohydrate (glucose with a molecule of water attached). That hydration adds mass but not additional usable energy, so the energy per gram is lower than for anhydrous glucose.

Because of this, dextrose monohydrate provides about 3.4 kcal per gram. So 1 gram of dextrose in this hydrated form yields roughly 3.4 kcal. The 4 kcal/g figure applies to dry, anhydrous carbohydrates, while the 3.4 kcal/g value reflects the hydrated form used in many clinical nutrition calculations.