<Li> Fat: margarine, shortening and other fats and oils . (Although some consumption of certain fatty acids is essential to health, as those cannot be synthesized .) </Li> <Li> Alcohol: beer, wine, hard spirits and other alcoholic beverages . While moderate amounts can lead to weight gain, chronic consumption of large amounts of alcohol can lead to weight loss because alcoholic liver disease is characterized by an increased metabolic rate and impaired muscle protein synthesis, resulting in sarcopenia . </Li> <P> The' empty calories' argument is that a diet high in added sugar will reduce consumption of foods that contain essential nutrients . One review reported that for increases in consumption of added sugars, nutrients at most risk for inadequacy were vitamins E, A, C, and magnesium . For these, nutrient intake was less with each 5% increase in added sugars intake . </P> <P> A diet high in alcohol can have the same effect . According to one review, "Micronutrient deficiencies occur in patients with ALD (alcoholic liver disease) because the major proportion of calories derived from alcohol lack minerals and vitamins . Specific emphasis is necessary for zinc, vitamin D, thiamine, folate, cyanocobalamin, and selenium ." People with ALD also display sarcopenia - muscle wasting - but it is not clear if this is due to chronic low protein intake or the disease, which is known to inhibit muscle protein synthesis . </P>

Is there such a thing as empty calories