Nutrition and Metabolism Practice Questions

Q: A 25 year old woman is a sedentary worker. She is a lactating mother with a 3 month old child. Which one among the following is the best approximation of her energy requirement in terms of kilocalories per day ?

2500 kcal/d. ***2500 kcal/d*** - A lactating woman generally requires an additional 500 kcal/day above her baseline energy needs to support milk production. - For a sedentary woman, a typical baseline intake is around 2000 kcal/day, making 2500 kcal/day a good approximation during lactation. *1500 kcal/d* - This value is significantly low for a lactating woman, as it would likely lead to a **caloric deficit** and could compromise milk supply and maternal health. - This energy level might be appropriate for a woman on a **weight-loss diet**, but not for supporting lactation. *2250 kcal/d* - While closer than 1500 kcal/d, this value still falls slightly short of the recommended additional energy intake for lactation, which is typically an extra 500 kcal/day. - This might represent a moderate activity level for a non-lactating woman, but not optimal for **milk production**. *2830 kcal/d* - This amount would be more appropriate for a lactating woman with a **higher activity level** or a greater baseline energy requirement than a sedentary individual. - While some lactating women may need this much, it is likely an **overestimation** for a sedentary worker.

Q: Among the following foodstuffs, which one has the highest protein content per 100 gm?

Black gram. ***Black gram*** - **Black gram (Urad dal)** is a pulse known for its high protein content, typically around **24-25 grams per 100g**. - It is a staple in many cuisines and provides essential amino acids, making it a valuable protein source. *Ragi* - **Ragi (finger millet)** is a nutritious grain, but its protein content is relatively lower, around **7-8 grams per 100g**. - It is more notable for its high **calcium** and **fiber** content rather than protein. *Wheat* - **Wheat** contains a moderate amount of protein, usually around **12-14 grams per 100g**. - While it's a significant source of calories and carbohydrates, its protein content is less than that of black gram. *Egg* - A whole **egg** contains about **13 grams of protein per 100g**. - While eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, black gram typically surpasses this amount per 100g.

Q: Consider the following statements: 1. Protein content of soyabean is more than that of meat (per 100 gm) 2. Fat content of fish is more than that of soyabean (per 100 gm) 3. Calorie yield for each 100 gm of fish is almost the same as for 100 gm of banana 4. Fat content of soyabean is more than that of eggs (per 100 gm) Which of the above statements are correct?

1 and 4 only. ***1 and 4 only*** - **Statement 1 is correct**: Soybean has a significantly higher protein content (approximately 36g/100g) compared to most meats (20-26g/100g for beef, chicken, pork). - **Statement 4 is correct**: Soybean has a higher fat content (approximately 20g/100g) than whole eggs (approximately 10-11g/100g). - **Statement 2 is incorrect**: Fish generally has lower fat content than soybean. Most fish varieties contain 2-10g fat/100g (lean fish like cod: 0.5-2g; moderately fatty fish like salmon: 10-14g), which is less than soybean's 20g/100g. - **Statement 3 is incorrect for exam purposes**: While some very lean fish (cod: ~82 kcal/100g) may be close to banana (89 kcal/100g), most commonly consumed fish provide 100-150 kcal/100g or more, making them significantly higher in calories than banana. The statement's use of "almost the same" is too broad to be considered correct. *1 and 2* - Statement 1 is correct, but statement 2 is incorrect because **fish has less fat than soybean**, not more. *1, 3 and 4* - Statements 1 and 4 are correct, but statement 3 is incorrect because **the calorie yield of most fish varieties (100-150+ kcal/100g) is notably higher than banana (89 kcal/100g)**. Only specific lean fish varieties approach banana's calorie content, which doesn't justify the blanket statement. *2 and 3* - Both statements are incorrect. Statement 2: **fish has less fat than soybean**. Statement 3: **most fish have higher calorie yields than banana**.

Q: Consider the following statements about content/yield of 100 gm of some foodstuffs: 1. Fat content of Bengal gram is less than that of maize 2. Protein content of maize is more than that of rice 3. Calorie yield of fish and egg is same Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

2 only. ***Correct Answer: 2 only*** **Statement 2 is correct:** Protein content of maize (9-10g per 100g) is indeed more than that of rice (7-8g per 100g). This is an important nutritional distinction for dietary planning. **Why other statements are incorrect:** *Statement 1 is incorrect:* Fat content of Bengal gram (chickpea) is approximately 6g per 100g, while maize (corn) contains about 4.7g per 100g. Therefore, Bengal gram actually has **more** fat content than maize, not less. This makes statement 1 false. *Statement 3 is incorrect:* Calorie yield varies significantly between fish and eggs. Fish provides 100-200 kcal per 100g depending on the type (lean vs. fatty fish), while whole eggs provide approximately 155 kcal per 100g. The variability in fish calorie content makes it inaccurate to state they are "same." **Clinical Relevance:** Understanding macronutrient composition of common food items is essential for providing appropriate dietary counseling and nutritional recommendations in clinical practice. --- *Option A (2 and 3):* Incorrect because statement 3 is false - calorie yields are not the same. *Option C (1 and 2):* Incorrect because statement 1 is false - Bengal gram has more fat than maize. *Option D (1 only):* Incorrect because statement 1 is false, and statement 2 is actually correct.

Q: Which one of the following trace elements if deficient in the diet can lead to low birth weight, preterm delivery, spontaneous abortion or even congenital malformation like anencephaly?

Zinc. ***Zinc*** - **Zinc deficiency** during pregnancy is associated with low birth weight, preterm delivery, spontaneous abortion, and congenital malformations like **anencephaly** due to its crucial role in cell growth, differentiation, and DNA synthesis. - Adequate zinc levels are essential for proper fetal development and maternal immune function. *Copper* - **Copper deficiency** can lead to issues such as anemia, neurological problems, and impaired bone development, but it is not primarily linked to the specific spectrum of adverse pregnancy outcomes described in the question, such as anencephaly. - While important, copper's role in fetal development differs from zinc's broad impact on cellular processes. *Selenium* - **Selenium deficiency** can be associated with increased risk of preeclampsia, miscarriage, and impaired fetal growth, but it is not as strongly linked to **neural tube defects** like anencephaly as zinc. - Primarily functions as an antioxidant and in thyroid hormone metabolism. *Cobalt* - **Cobalt** is a component of vitamin B12, and its deficiency is usually observed as a deficiency in vitamin B12, leading to **megaloblastic anemia** and neurological issues. - Direct independent cobalt deficiency is rare and not directly associated with the described pregnancy complications or **congenital malformations** in humans.

Q: Protein content in cow's milk in comparison to human milk is?

Triple. ***Triple*** - The protein content in **cow's milk** is approximately **three times higher** than that found in **human milk**. - **Cow's milk** contains approximately **3.3 g/100 mL** of protein, while **human milk** contains about **1.0-1.3 g/100 mL**. - This higher protein load in cow's milk can be challenging for an infant's immature kidneys and digestion. - The predominant protein in cow's milk is **casein (80%)**, while human milk has more **whey proteins (60%)**. *Quadruple* - While cow's milk has significantly more protein than human milk, it is not **four times** the amount. - The exact ratio is closer to **three times (3:1)**, making quadruple an overestimation. *Double* - The protein content of cow's milk is **more than double** that of human milk. - Therefore, stating it is merely double **underestimates** the difference in protein concentration. *Same* - The protein content of **cow's milk and human milk are not the same**. - There are significant differences in both the **quantity** (3:1 ratio) and **type of proteins** (casein vs whey predominance). - These differences make each milk suited for different species' developmental needs.

Q: Which of the following cause low serum calcium?

Vit D deficiency. ***Vit D deficiency*** - **Vitamin D** is crucial for **intestinal absorption of calcium**; its deficiency leads to reduced calcium uptake from the diet. - Low vitamin D levels stimulate **parathyroid hormone (PTH) release**, which initially maintains serum calcium by bone resorption, but chronic deficiency eventually results in **hypocalcemia**. - In the context of nutritional causes of hypocalcemia, **Vitamin D deficiency** is the **most common dietary/nutritional cause** tested in biochemistry. *GH* - **Growth hormone (GH)** primarily influences **bone growth** and protein synthesis, but is not directly responsible for regulating serum calcium levels. - While GH can indirectly affect calcium metabolism through IGF-1, it does **not cause hypocalcemia**. *Hypoparathyroidism* - **Hypoparathyroidism** is characterized by **insufficient parathyroid hormone (PTH)** production, leading to **low serum calcium**. - Without adequate PTH, **calcium reabsorption** from bones and kidneys is impaired, and **vitamin D activation** is reduced, resulting in hypocalcemia. - **Note**: While hypoparathyroidism does cause hypocalcemia, in a **biochemistry/nutrition context**, Vitamin D deficiency is the focus as a nutritional/metabolic cause, whereas hypoparathyroidism is more of an endocrine disorder. *Glucocorticoids* - **Glucocorticoids**, particularly at high doses and with long-term use, **reduce intestinal calcium absorption** and increase **bone resorption**. - Despite their impact on bone, they typically cause **hypercalciuria** (increased urinary calcium excretion) and can lead to **osteoporosis**, but do not directly cause **hypocalcemia** due to compensatory mechanisms.

Q: What is the average daily requirement of zinc in adult humans?

11 mg/day. ***11 mg/day*** - The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for **zinc** in adult humans is **11 mg/day** as per standard nutritional guidelines. - This is the most commonly cited value in medical textbooks including **Harper's Biochemistry** and represents the general adult requirement. - While females have a slightly lower requirement (8 mg/day), **11 mg/day** is the standard reference value used in clinical practice and examinations. *15 mg/day* - This value is higher than the standard **RDA** for adult populations. - May be recommended in specific situations such as **vegetarian diets** (due to lower bioavailability from plant sources) or during **increased physiological demands**. - Regular intake significantly above the RDA without specific medical indication could potentially lead to adverse effects. *8 mg/day* - This is the **RDA** specifically for adult females. - While adequate for adult women under normal conditions, it represents the lower end of requirements and is not the standard general adult value cited in medical literature. *9.4 mg/day* - This appears to be a calculated average between male (11 mg) and female (8 mg) requirements. - However, this is **not a standard reference value** found in authoritative nutritional guidelines or medical textbooks. - Exam questions typically use established RDA values rather than calculated averages.

Question 1

A 25 year old woman is a sedentary worker. She is a lactating mother with a 3 month old child. Which one among the following is the best approximation of her energy requirement in terms of kilocalories per day ?

Accepted Answer

2500 kcal/d

Answer

1500 kcal/d

Answer

2250 kcal/d

Answer

2830 kcal/d

Question 2

Among the following foodstuffs, which one has the highest protein content per 100 gm?

Accepted Answer

Black gram

Answer

Ragi

Answer

Wheat

Answer

Egg

Question 3

Consider the following statements:

1. Protein content of soyabean is more than that of meat (per 100 gm)
2. Fat content of fish is more than that of soyabean (per 100 gm)
3. Calorie yield for each 100 gm of fish is almost the same as for 100 gm of banana
4. Fat content of soyabean is more than that of eggs (per 100 gm)
Which of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 4 only

Answer

1 and 2

Answer

1, 3 and 4

Answer

2 and 3

Question 4

Consider the following statements about content/yield of 100 gm of some foodstuffs:

1. Fat content of Bengal gram is less than that of maize
2. Protein content of maize is more than that of rice
3. Calorie yield of fish and egg is same

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

2 only

Answer

2 and 3

Answer

1 and 2

Answer

1 only

Question 5

Which one of the following trace elements if deficient in the diet can lead to low birth weight, preterm delivery, spontaneous abortion or even congenital malformation like anencephaly?

Accepted Answer

Zinc

Answer

Copper

Answer

Selenium

Answer

Cobalt

Question 6

Protein content in cow's milk in comparison to human milk is?

Accepted Answer

Triple

Answer

Quadruple

Answer

Double

Answer

Same

Question 7

Which of the following statements regarding adult nutrition is INCORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Daily calorie intake in a sedentary adults is 40-45kcal/kg/day

Answer

one gram nitrogen yields 6.25 gm of protein

Answer

Nitrogen requirement is 0.8 gm/kg

Answer

Daily calorie intake in a sedentary adult is 25-30 kcal/kg/day

Question 8

Which of the following cause low serum calcium?

Accepted Answer

Vit D deficiency

Answer

GH

Answer

Hypoparathyroidism

Answer

Glucocorticoids

Question 9

What is the average daily requirement of zinc in adult humans?

Accepted Answer

11 mg/day

Answer

15 mg/day

Answer

8 mg/day

Answer

9.4 mg/day

Question 10

A young man weighing 65 kg was admitted to the hospital with severe burns in a severe catabolic state. An individual in this state requires 40 kcal per kg body weight per day and 2 gms of protein/kg body weight/day. This young man was given a solution containing 20% glucose and 4.25% protein. If 3000 ml of solution is infused per day, which of the following statements is most accurate regarding the nutritional provision?

Accepted Answer

The calories provided are insufficient for the patient's needs

Answer

The protein provided exceeds the patient's requirement

Answer

The protein provided is insufficient for the patient's requirement

Answer

The solution provides adequate protein and calories for the patient

Nutrition and Metabolism — MCQs

Nutrition and Metabolism — MCQs

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