What is the calculation for the Respiratory Quotient?

The respiratory quotient (RQ) is a key physiological measure that helps assess the metabolic process, specifically the relationship between carbon dioxide production and oxygen consumption during metabolism. The calculation of RQ is defined as the amount of carbon dioxide produced (VCO2) divided by the amount of oxygen consumed (VO2). This ratio provides insights into which substrates (carbohydrates, fats, proteins) the body is using for energy at any given time.

Understanding the significance of this measurement is important in various contexts, including exercise physiology, metabolic studies, and during nutritional assessments for athletes. An RQ value closer to 1.0 typically indicates a higher reliance on carbohydrates, while a value closer to 0.7 indicates a greater reliance on fats. This makes the correct calculation crucial for interpreting metabolic data correctly and applying the findings to dietary and exercise recommendations.

The other choices do not provide the correct formula for RQ, as they either mix the numerator and denominator or misrepresent the physiological relationship between CO2 production and O2 consumption.