Nutrition Trivia Questions
264 trivia questions with answers, all ages. Multiple-choice trivia with answers, sorted by topic and level. Reveal the answers below, pick one at random, or present them full-screen.
- 1.
Which of the following mechanisms contributes to a decrease in plasma calcium concentration?
- AThe action of parathyroid hormone on the intestine
- BThe action of vitamin D on the intestine
- CThe action of parathyroid hormone on the kidney
- DThe action of calcitonin on the kidney
Answer: The action of calcitonin on the kidney - 2.
Oral bacterial synthesise extracellular glucans (dextran and mutan) from which host dietary component?
- AAlpha limit dextrins
- BSucrose
- Cpolysaccharides
- Dglucose
Answer: Sucrose - 3.
Fibre supplements
- AAre always easily fermented by colonic bacteria
- BShould be avoided in constipation
- CMay be helpful in diverticular disease
- DAre usually derived from soluble fibre sources
Answer: May be helpful in diverticular disease - 4.
Deficiency of vitamin A in children causes:
- APoor bone growth
- BGoitre
- CPoor cognitive development
- DIncreased risk of mortality
Answer: Increased risk of mortality - 5.
Crohn's disease:
- AAlways affects the colon
- BMay lead to intestinal obstruction
- CRequires a gluten free diet
- DIs best treated surgically
Answer: May lead to intestinal obstruction - 6.
The stomach lining contains several types of cells. Which statement about them is correct?
- AParietal cells secrete pepsinogen, the inactive precursor of pepsin
- BG Cells secrete hydrochloric acid
- CMucous cells secrete the glycoprotein mucin
- DChief cells the hormone gastrin (which stimulates acid secretion).
Answer: Mucous cells secrete the glycoprotein mucin - 7.
Which of the following statements about methods of evaluating protein quality in human nutrition is correct?
- AThe rat protein efficiency ratio assay, (PER), is a good method of assessing protein quality for human nutrition.
- BAnimal growth assays underestimate the quality of dietary proteins for human nutrition
- CThe rat net protein-utilisation assay, (NPU), is the best method of assessing protein quality for human nutrition.
- DThe growing rat is a good model for assessing protein quality in human nutrition.
Answer: Animal growth assays underestimate the quality of dietary proteins for human nutrition - 8.
Select the single most accurate statement about the absorptive area of the human intestine?
- AChanges in motility increase the contact time between nutrients and absorptive surface
- BAll of the options given are correct
- CThe presence of folds, villi and microvilli on the surface of enterocytes magnifies the absorptive area
- DThe absorptive area is equivalent to that of a tennis court
Answer: All of the options given are correct - 9.
In a healthy person maintaining energy balance in equilibrium (i.e. mathematical equality of energy intake and energy expenditure) is generally achieved on a:
- A3-4 day basis
- B2-3 day basis
- Cday-to-day basis
- D1-2 week basis
Answer: 1-2 week basis - 10.
Which of the following proteins is not involved in the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine?
- ALDL receptor
- BNPC1L1
- CABCG5/G8
- DACAT2
Answer: LDL receptor - 11.
The critical pH below which demineralisation of tooth enamel occurs is usually around:
- A5.7
- B5
- C6
- D5.5
Answer: 5.5 - 12.
Which of the following factors inhibits non-haem iron bioavailability the most?
- APhytic acid
- BCitric acid
- CVegetable protein
- DCalcium
Answer: Phytic acid - 13.
Which membrane fatty acids are precursors for eicosanoids?
- AC20 and C22 saturated fatty acids
- BC18 and C22 polyunsaturated fatty acids
- CC20 and C22 monounsaturated fatty acids
- DC20 and C22 polyunsaturated fatty acids
Answer: C20 and C22 polyunsaturated fatty acids - 14.
The Worldwide HIV/AIDS campaigns have made significant progress over the last years. The HIV infection rates in Europe
- AHave been increasing
- BHave been significantly decreasing
- CAre unknown
- DHave been unchanged
Answer: Have been unchanged - 15.
From the list of oral microorganisms, which is primarily responsible for the initiation of dental caries?
- ALactobacilli
- Bbifidobacteria
- CMutans streptococci
- DP. gingivalis
Answer: Mutans streptococci - 16.
Of the classes of dietary fatty acids which have the most beneficial effect on plasma LDL cholesterol levels?
- AMonounsaturated fatty acids
- Bn-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids
- CBoth a and c
- DSaturated and trans unsaturated fatty acids
Answer: Both a and c - 17.
What is the typical body composition of a normal weight young adult man?
- AFat = 20%, Fat Free Mass=17%, Intracellular Fluid= 40%, Extracellular Fluid= 83%
- BFat = 17%, Fat Free Mass=83%, Intracellular Fluid= 40%, Extracellular Fluid= 20%
- CFat = 40%, Fat Free Mass=20%, Intracellular Fluid= 17%, Extracellular Fluid= 83%
- DFat = 83%, Fat Free Mass=40%, Intracellular Fluid= 17%, Extracellular Fluid= 20%
Answer: Fat = 17%, Fat Free Mass=83%, Intracellular Fluid= 40%, Extracellular Fluid= 20% - 18.
Which of the following nutritional interventions has been shown to improve child development?
- ABoth of the interventions
- BProtein-energy supplementation during pregnancy
- CProtein-energy supplementation during the first two years
- DNone of the interventions
Answer: Both of the interventions - 19.
Which country has undergone the most rapid nutrition transition in the last two decades?
- AIndia
- BChina
- CSweden
- DBritain
Answer: China - 20.
Which is the most reliable type of observational study for investigating the link between diet and cancer?
- ARandomised controlled trial
- BEcological study
- CProspective study
- DCase-control study
Answer: Prospective study - 21.
Which vitamin is required for calcium absorption from the small intestine?
- AVitamin K
- BVitamin E
- CVitamin D
- DVitamin A
Answer: Vitamin D - 22.
For Binge Eating Disorder it is incorrect that:
- ABinge Eating episodes in BED are usually richer in calories than those of BN, leading patients to obesity
- BSpontaneous remission is a possible outcome
- CBED patients have higher odds of developing obesity
- DBariatric surgery can be considered a treatment option for mild cases
Answer: Binge Eating episodes in BED are usually richer in calories than those of BN, leading patients to obesity - 23.
Infants born to mothers who are vegan may be at increased risk of deficiency of which nutrient?
- AVitamin C
- BFolate
- CVitamin B12
- DCalcium
Answer: Vitamin B12 - 24.
Which statement about Engel's law on food economics is correct?
- AAs income rises, the proportion of income spent on food, increases
- BAs income rises, the proportion of income spent on food, declines
- CAs income rises, the proportion of income spent on food, remains similar
- DAs income declines, the proportion of income spent on food, declines
Answer: As income rises, the proportion of income spent on food, declines - 25.
How much dietary protein should athletes consume daily?
- A0.8-1.2 g protein per kg bodyweight per day
- B1.2-1.7 g protein per kg bodyweight per day
- C<0.8 g protein per kg bodyweight per day
- D>2.0 g protein per kg bodyweight per day
Answer: 1.2-1.7 g protein per kg bodyweight per day - 26.
Which vitamins are important in lowering circulating homocysteine levels
- AVitamin A
- BVitamin D
- CFolate, vitamins B6 and B12
- DVitamin C
Answer: Folate, vitamins B6 and B12 - 27.
Which of the following vitamins is involved in transamination of amino acids?
- ARiboflavin
- BThiamin
- CVitamin B6
- DNiacin
Answer: Vitamin B6 - 28.
Which of the following is a function of folate?
- ADecarboxylation of amino acids to form amine neurotransmitters
- BSynthesis of methionine from homocysteine
- CCarboxylation of pyruvate to oxaloacetate
- DSynthesis of TMP (thymidine monophosphate)
Answer: Synthesis of TMP (thymidine monophosphate) - 29.
Confounding is a particular challenge in nutritional epidemiology because
- Ait is difficult to measure people's diets accurately in large studies.
- Bpeople change their diets over time.
- Cthe are no good methods to adjust for confounding in nutritional studies.
- Ddifferent dietary components are correlated with each other, making it difficult to separate their effects.
Answer: different dietary components are correlated with each other, making it difficult to separate their effects. - 30.
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR):
- Ais unaltered in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
- BIs higher after weight gain because part of the excess weight is fat-free mass.
- Cis measured in comfortable sitting position
- Dis not altered after weight loss.
Answer: Is higher after weight gain because part of the excess weight is fat-free mass. - 31.
What type of diet is recommended for weight maintenance?
- AHigh protein and high GI
- BLow protein and low GI
- CHigh protein and low GI
- DLow protein and high GI
Answer: High protein and low GI - 32.
What proportion of vegans is likely to be deficient in vitamin B12?
- A15%
- B66%
- C32%
- D3%
Answer: 32% - 33.
What are the main enzyme systems for catalysing ethanol to acetaldehyde?
- ACatalase
- BAlcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2EI), catalase
- Ccytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2EI)
- DAlcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)
Answer: Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2EI), catalase - 34.
Which of the following diet-derived compounds have epigenetic effects?
- ACurcumin
- BGenistein
- CAll of the options given are correct
- DButyrate
Answer: All of the options given are correct - 35.
Which of the following statements about the nutritional status of older people is correct?
- AAll older people living in Western countries have low vitamin D status.
- BThe risk of high iron stores is greater than the risk of iron deficiency in older people.
- CThere is strong evidence that vitamin C supplements lower the risk of cancer in older people.
- DLow dietary intake of vitamin B12 is the main cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in older people.
Answer: The risk of high iron stores is greater than the risk of iron deficiency in older people. - 36.
What is the difference between LCD and VLCD?
- AVLCD provides less energy than LCD and usually does not include natural foods
- BVLCD provides less energy than LCD and usually includes natural foods
- CLCD provides less energy than VLCD and usually includes natural foods
- DLCD provides less energy than LCD and usually does not include natural foods
Answer: VLCD provides less energy than LCD and usually does not include natural foods - 37.
Which of these factors increases the risk for cancer of the oesophagus?
- AAlcohol
- BProcessed meat
- CSalt
- DFruit and vegetables
Answer: Alcohol - 38.
Which of the treatments below has not demonstrated efficacy in BED
- ABenzodizepines (Diazepam, Alprazolam)
- BCognitive Behavioural Therapy
- CAntidepressants (Fluoxetine, Sertraline)
- DAntiobesity agents (Orlistat, Sibutramine)
Answer: Benzodizepines (Diazepam, Alprazolam) - 39.
Which of the following vitamins is required for fatty acid b-oxidation?
- ANiacin
- BVitamin C
- CThiamin
- DRiboflavin
Answer: Riboflavin - 40.
Which of two hormones act on the hypothalamus to increase satiety and hunger, respectively?
- ALeptin and insulin
- BLeptin and ghrelin
- CGhrelin and insulin
- DGhrelin and leptin
Answer: Leptin and ghrelin - 41.
Endurance type exercise training modulates fuel storage and substrate use. Adaptive responses include:
- AIncreasing intramuscular lipid use during exercise
- BIncreasing muscle glycogen use during exercise
- Clowering intramuscular lipid storage
- DIncreasing liver glycogen content
Answer: Increasing intramuscular lipid use during exercise - 42.
Which of the following diseases does obesity increase the risk of developing?
- ACancer
- BType 2 diabetes
- CCardiovascular disease
- DAll of the options given are correct
Answer: All of the options given are correct - 43.
Which of the following could lead to iodine deficiency?
- AInadequate sunlight exposure
- BIntake only of locally grown food in central Africa
- CInsufficient caloric intake
- DLow intake of fruits and vegetables
Answer: Intake only of locally grown food in central Africa - 44.
Which of the following is not a beneficial effect of exercise in people with diabetes:
- Aincrease of insulin sensitivity
- Bhelp controlling hypertension
- CReduction of triglycerides
- DHypoglycaemia
Answer: Hypoglycaemia - 45.
Nutrients may pose health risks:
- AOnly when intakes are less than those required for nutritional benefits
- BAt any level greater than a recommended dietary intake
- CUnder no known conditions of usual intake
- DWhen intakes exceed established ULs (Upper Levels)
Answer: When intakes exceed established ULs (Upper Levels) - 46.
The colonic microflora can be considered as "an organ within an organ". Which of the following statements best describes the functions of the microbiota?
- AMeasurement of daily dietary fibre intake underestimates the amount of fermentable material entering the colon each day
- BAcetate, propionate and butyrate are the chief organic acids produced by anaerobic colic fermentation
- CAll of the options given are correct
- DThe establishment of an "acetate buffer" in the colonic lumen suppresses the growth of some pathogenic bacteria.
Answer: All of the options given are correct - 47.
What characteristic is not representative of a type IIb muscle fibre?
- AHigh motor unit strength
- BLow oxidative capacity
- CFast contractile speed
- DHigh fatigue resistance
Answer: High fatigue resistance - 48.
Which life-style factors do not confound the interpretation of the health of vegetarians compared with meat-eaters?
- AAge
- BPhysical activity
- CSmoking habit
- DSocial class/position
Answer: Age - 49.
Water transport can occur from the lumen of the intestine to the blood stream, or from the blood stream to the intestinal lumen. Which single statement about this phenomenon, below, is actually correct?
- ADietary intake of water is always greater than water movement in the small intestine
- BWater is mostly absorbed by movement between the cells lining the gut (enterocytes) via tight junctions
- CWater flows into the gut from the mucosa, during digestion of starch and protein, in order to reduce luminal osmolality
- DA "flip-flop" mechanism efficiently transports water directly across the enterocyte membrane
Answer: Water flows into the gut from the mucosa, during digestion of starch and protein, in order to reduce luminal osmolality - 50.
The Atherogenic Lipoprotein Phenotype (ALP) is a collection of which lipoprotein abnormalities?
- AReduced levels of HDL, a high proportion of small dense LDL and normal triglycerides
- BReduced levels of HDL, a low proportion of small dense LDL and raised triglycerides
- CReduced levels of HDL, a high proportion of small dense LDL and raised triglycerides
- DRaised levels of HDL, a high proportion of small dense LDL and raised triglycerides
Answer: Reduced levels of HDL, a high proportion of small dense LDL and raised triglycerides
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