Nutrition Questions and Answers – Page 2

Correct answer: Minimum energy used by the resting body for vital functions. BMR is the energy expended at rest under standardized conditions to maintain vital functions such as breathing, circulation and cellular activity. It is influenced by lean body mass, age, sex, hormones, temperature and genetics and forms a major part of daily energy expenditure. Exercise expenditure, meal calories and sweat losses are different concepts and do not define basal metabolism. The distractors are related to nutrition, but each describes a different nutrient, function, energy value or deficiency condition.

Correct answer: All essential nutrients in appropriate amounts and proportions. A balanced diet supplies energy, protein, essential fats, vitamins, minerals, fibre and water in proportions suited to an individual’s needs. Balance depends on variety, adequacy, moderation and individual factors such as age, activity, pregnancy and health. It is not defined by low calories, protein alone or equal weights of all foods, because nutrient density and requirements differ. The distractors are related to nutrition, but each describes a different nutrient, function, energy value or deficiency condition. A good solution identifies the key physiological clue and then checks every option against established nutritional science.

Correct answer: Weight in kg divided by height in metres squared. Adult BMI is calculated as body weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in metres: kg/m². BMI is a screening measure of weight relative to height, not a direct measurement of body fat or individual health. The other formulas do not produce the internationally accepted BMI unit or interpretation.

Correct answer: Total energy and protein. Marasmus results from severe overall energy deficiency, usually accompanied by inadequate protein intake. It produces marked wasting of muscle and subcutaneous fat, growth failure and an underweight appearance without the typical oedema of kwashiorkor. Isolated vitamin C, iodine or fibre deficiency causes different conditions and does not explain severe generalized wasting. The distractors are related to nutrition, but each describes a different nutrient, function, energy value or deficiency condition. A good solution identifies the key physiological clue and then checks every option against established nutritional science.

Kwashiorkor classically presents with bilateral pitting oedema in the setting of severe protein malnutrition. Night blindness reflects vitamin A deficiency, goitre iodine deficiency and bleeding gums vitamin C deficiency.

Correct answer: A, D, E and K. Vitamins A, D, E and K are the four fat-soluble vitamins. Their absorption depends on normal fat digestion and they can accumulate in body stores, making excessive supplementation potentially harmful. All B vitamins and vitamin C are water-soluble, so groups containing them are not entirely fat-soluble. A good solution identifies the key physiological clue and then checks every option against established nutritional science.

Correct answer: Vitamins B and C. The B-complex vitamins and vitamin C are water-soluble vitamins. They generally have limited body storage and regular intake is important, although vitamin B12 is stored substantially in the liver. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble and are absorbed with dietary fat. A good solution identifies the key physiological clue and then checks every option against established nutritional science.

Correct answer: It prevents constipation. Dietary fibre adds bulk, retains water and supports bowel movement, thereby helping prevent constipation. Fibre does not supply vitamin D, directly construct muscle protein or substitute for adequate fluid intake.

Egg protein is considered high quality because it supplies all essential amino acids in favourable proportions and is highly digestible. Complete proteins contain all essential amino acids; many animal foods and some plant foods such as soy meet this criterion. Sugar provides carbohydrate, butter mainly fat and apple mainly carbohydrate, fibre and micronutrients, not complete protein.

Correct answer: Amino acids the body cannot synthesize adequately. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the human body in adequate amounts and therefore must be obtained from the diet. They are required for protein synthesis, growth, tissue repair, enzymes, transporters and many signalling molecules. They are not defined by liver storage, plant origin or exclusive use as fuel; both animal and plant foods can contribute them. The distractors are related to nutrition, but each describes a different nutrient, function, energy value or deficiency condition.