Fundamentals of Food Technology

Thermic effect of food / Specific Dynamic Action (SDA)

 

Energy requirement is affected by the type of food ingested. The extra heat which is produced after taking food is known as the specific dynamic action.

• The stimulating effect of carbohydrates, fats and protein on energy metabolism is different.

• Protein foods produce the highest per cent increase in energy metabolism.
  

• The SDA of protein is about 30 per cent while carbohydrates and fats exert 6 per cent and 4 per cent respectively.
  

• The average SDA of a mixed diet is about 8-10 per cent.