What type of energy involves the energy expended in the absorption of nutrients?

The correct choice is specific dynamic activity, often referred to as the thermic effect of food (TEF). This energy expenditure corresponds to the amount of energy required for the digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients after food intake. When food is consumed, the body engages in metabolic processes that include breaking down macromolecules, absorbing nutrients, and transporting them through the bloodstream to various tissues where they are utilized or stored. These processes generate heat and require energy, thus contributing to overall energy expenditure.

Understanding specific dynamic activity is crucial because it highlights an often-overlooked component of energy balance, reinforcing the concept that food does not merely supply calories; the act of processing those calories also consumes energy. This insight helps in formulating nutrition and weight management strategies, as it indicates that nutrient quality and the metabolic cost of processing them can have significant implications for energy balance and weight control.