<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (May 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (May 2011) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> The respiratory quotient (or RQ or respiratory coefficient), is a dimensionless number used in calculations of basal metabolic rate (BMR) when estimated from carbon dioxide production . It is calculated from the ratio of carbon dioxide produced by the body to oxygen consumed by the body . Such measurements, like measurements of oxygen uptake, are forms of indirect calorimetry . It is measured using a respirometer . The Respiratory Quotient value indicates which macronutrients are being metabolized, as different energy pathways are used for fats, carbohydrates, and proteins . A value of 0.7 indicates that lipids are being metabolized, 0.8 for proteins, and 1.0 for carbohydrates . The approximate respiratory quotient of a mixed diet is 0.8 . Some of the other factors that may affect the respiratory quotient are energy balance, circulating insulin, and insulin sensitivity . </P>

In many cases carbohydrates have the following ratio of elements