Respiratory quotient

Respiratory Quotient

The Respiratory Quotient (RQ), pronounced as /rɛˈspɪrətɔːri ˈkwəʊʃ(ə)nt/, 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 many other biometric measurements, are usually made under certain standard resting conditions.

Etymology

The term "Respiratory Quotient" was first used in the late 19th century. The word "respiratory" comes from the Latin respirare which means "to breathe", and "quotient" comes from the Latin quotiens which means "how many times".

Calculation

The Respiratory Quotient is calculated as the ratio of the volume of the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced to the volume of oxygen (O2) used. The formula is as follows:

RQ = CO2 eliminated / O2 consumed

Values

The value of the Respiratory Quotient depends on the type of nutrient being metabolized, as different nutrients require different amounts of oxygen for metabolism. For example, the RQ for carbohydrates is typically around 1.0, for proteins 0.8, and for fats 0.7.

Clinical Significance

The Respiratory Quotient is used in the calculation of the basal metabolic rate (BMR), which is the amount of energy expended while at rest. It is also used in the assessment of the balance between the carbohydrate and fat in the body.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Respiratory quotient
Wikipedia's article - Respiratory quotient

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