Nutrition and Health Practice Questions

Q: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a programme to meet the challenge of high prevalence of anaemia amongst adolescent boys and girls. Consider the following statements in relation to the key interventions being undertaken : I. It entails supervised weekly administration of 100 mg elemental iron and 500 mu g folic acid. II. These weekly iron-folic acid supplements are administered by using a fixed day approach. III. It entails supervised administration of Albendazole 400 mg every three months for control of helminth infestation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

I and II. ***Correct: I and II*** - The **Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS)** program targets adolescent boys and girls for anaemia control - **Statement I is correct:** The program involves supervised weekly administration of **100 mg elemental iron** and **500 μg folic acid** - **Statement II is correct:** Supplements are administered using a **fixed-day approach** (e.g., every Wednesday) to ensure adherence and systematic implementation - Both statements accurately reflect the core interventions of the WIFS program *Incorrect: I only* - This is incomplete as it excludes Statement II, which describes the crucial fixed-day implementation strategy - While the supplementation dosage is correct, the delivery mechanism (fixed day) is equally important *Incorrect: II only* - This misses the essential component of the actual supplementation (iron and folic acid dosage) - The fixed-day approach alone without the supplementation details is incomplete *Incorrect: I and III* - **Statement III is incorrect:** Albendazole 400 mg for deworming is administered **twice yearly (every 6 months)**, NOT every 3 months - While deworming is part of the comprehensive WIFS strategy, the frequency stated in Statement III is inaccurate - Only Statement I is correct in this combination

Q: Which one of the following is the major contributor to the total energy intake, in terms of energy provided, in an average Indian diet?

Carbohydrates. ***Carbohydrates*** - **Carbohydrates** are the primary source of energy in an average Indian diet, mainly from staple foods like rice, wheat, and millets. - They provide approximately **4 kcal/gram** and constitute the bulk of daily caloric intake for most individuals in India. *Proteins* - While essential for growth and repair, **proteins** are typically consumed in smaller quantities than carbohydrates in the average Indian diet. - They provide about **4 kcal/gram**, but total protein intake often contributes less to overall energy compared to carbohydrates. *Fats* - **Fats** are the most energy-dense macronutrient, providing **9 kcal/gram**, but their overall contribution to total energy intake is usually less than that of carbohydrates. - The typical Indian diet emphasizes carbohydrate-rich vegetarian staples, with fats often used for cooking rather than forming the primary energy source. *Vitamins* - **Vitamins** are micronutrients essential for various bodily functions and do not provide any direct energy (calories). - They are crucial for metabolic processes but are not considered a source of energy intake.

Q: In the case of a 7 -year-old school-going child, which would be the most appropriate indicator to measure the current nutritional status?

Mid upper arm circumference. ***Mid upper arm circumference*** - **Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)** is the most appropriate indicator among the given options for assessing **current nutritional status** in a 7-year-old school-going child. - While traditionally emphasized for children 6-59 months, **MUAC is increasingly recognized as a valid indicator for school-aged children (5-15 years)** for detecting acute malnutrition and wasting. - MUAC is **age-independent, practical, and can be measured easily** in school settings, making it particularly useful for screening current nutritional status in this age group. - **Note:** Ideally, **BMI-for-age** is the gold standard recommended by WHO and IAP for children aged 5-19 years, but it is not among the options provided. *Weight for height* - **Weight-for-height (WFH)** is primarily recommended for **children under 5 years of age** or those with height 5 years), **BMI-for-age is the preferred indicator**, not WFH. - WFH becomes less accurate and less practical in older children, making it inappropriate as the primary indicator for a 7-year-old. *Birth weight* - **Birth weight** reflects **intrauterine growth and nutritional status at delivery**, not the current nutritional status of a 7-year-old child. - It is useful for assessing risk factors and early life influences but has no bearing on current nutritional assessment in school-aged children. *Head circumference* - **Head circumference** is primarily used to assess **brain growth** and detect conditions like **microcephaly or macrocephaly**, particularly in infancy and early childhood (up to 2-3 years). - In a 7-year-old, head growth has largely plateaued, and this measurement is **not useful for assessing current general nutritional status**.

Q: Consider the following disorders : 1. Delayed motor milestones 2. Spastic diplegia 3. Nyctalopia 4. Hearing defects Which of the above disorders occur as part of the spectrum of iodine deficiency disorders ?

1, 2 and 4. ***1, 2 and 4*** - **Delayed motor milestones** and **spastic diplegia** are hallmark neurological symptoms of **cretinism**, caused by severe congenital iodine deficiency. The spasticity results from pyramidal tract involvement affecting motor development. - **Hearing defects** (sensorineural deafness) are frequently observed in individuals with iodine deficiency disorders due to impaired thyroid hormone synthesis affecting inner ear development during critical developmental periods. *2, 3 and 4* - **Nyctalopia (night blindness)** is primarily associated with **Vitamin A deficiency**, not iodine deficiency. - While spastic diplegia and hearing defects are linked to iodine deficiency, the inclusion of nyctalopia makes this option incorrect. *1, 2 and 3* - This option correctly identifies delayed motor milestones and spastic diplegia as symptoms of iodine deficiency, but **nyctalopia** is an incorrect association with iodine deficiency. - Therefore, the presence of nyctalopia invalidates this choice. *1 and 3 only* - This option correctly includes **delayed motor milestones** but incorrectly includes **nyctalopia** as an iodine deficiency disorder. - It also omits other significant neurological and developmental problems like spastic diplegia and hearing defects that are part of the IDD spectrum.

Q: Consider the following milks : 1. Buffalo milk 2. Cow milk 3. Goat milk 4. Human milk What is the correct order (from highest to lowest) with regard to fat content per 100 gm in the milk?

1 → 3 → 4 → 2. ***1 → 3 → 4 → 2*** - **Buffalo milk** generally has the highest fat content (around 6-7%), followed by **goat milk** (4.1%), **human milk** (3.8-4.5%), and finally **cow milk** (3.2-3.8%). - This order reflects the typical fat percentage found in these types of milk, which varies based on breed, diet, and individual factors. *2 → 1 → 4 → 3* - This order incorrectly places cow milk as having the highest fat content and goat milk as the lowest, which is not accurate. - Cow milk typically has a lower fat percentage than buffalo milk. *1 → 2 → 3 → 4* - While buffalo milk is correctly identified as having the highest fat content, this order incorrectly places cow milk above goat milk and human milk. - Human milk and goat milk generally have higher fat content than cow milk. *4 → 2 → 3 → 1* - This order places human milk as having the highest fat content, which is incorrect as buffalo milk consistently has a higher fat content. - It also reverses the correct order for buffalo and cow milk.

Q: Consider the protein content of the following food items (in terms of grams per 100 grams of food) : 1. Cow milk 2. Meat 3. Soya bean 4. Sugar What is the correct descending order (highest to lowest) of protein content?

3 → 2 → 1 → 4. ***Correct Option: 3 → 2 → 1 → 4*** - **Soya bean** has the highest protein content at approximately **36-40 grams per 100 grams**, making it one of the richest plant-based protein sources - **Meat** (chicken, beef) follows with **20-30 grams of protein per 100 grams** depending on the cut and type - **Cow milk** contains approximately **3.2-3.5 grams of protein per 100 grams** - **Sugar** is a pure carbohydrate with **0 grams of protein** *Incorrect Option: 2 → 3 → 4 → 1* - Places meat before soya bean, but soya bean has higher protein content than most meats - Incorrectly places cow milk last (milk has more protein than sugar) *Incorrect Option: 2 → 1 → 3 → 4* - Incorrectly places soya bean third, when it should be first as the highest protein source - Underestimates the exceptional protein content of soya beans *Incorrect Option: 3 → 1 → 2 → 4* - Incorrectly places cow milk before meat - Meat has significantly more protein (~20-30g) compared to milk (~3-3.5g)

Q: With reference to Indian men, who can be categorized as carrying out 'moderate work', what is the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of thiamine (in mg/day)?

1.4. ***1.4*** - The **Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of thiamine** for Indian men performing **moderate work** is established at **1.4 mg/day** as per **ICMR 2020 guidelines**. - This recommendation is based on metabolic needs considering average physical activity levels, energy expenditure, and preventing deficiency symptoms. - The RDA ensures adequate thiamine intake for carbohydrate metabolism and nervous system function. *1.2* - This value represents the older RDA from previous ICMR guidelines. - While this was the recommended allowance in earlier versions, the current ICMR 2020 guidelines have updated the requirement to 1.4 mg/day for men with moderate activity. - This lower value may not fully meet the metabolic demands as per current recommendations. *1.8* - This value significantly exceeds the standard RDA for moderate work and might be recommended for individuals with higher energy expenditure or heavy physical activity. - For most Indian men performing moderate work, this intake would be considered higher than necessary. *1.0* - This value is below the recommended allowance for Indian men with moderate work. - This intake would not fully meet the metabolic demands, increasing the risk of suboptimal thiamine status and potential deficiency symptoms over time, especially during periods of increased carbohydrate intake.

Q: Among the following, which has the highest quantity of retinol (Vitamin A) activity per 100 g of fruit?

Ripe Mango. ***Ripe Mango*** - **Ripe mangoes** are an excellent source of **beta-carotene**, which the body converts into **retinol (Vitamin A)**. - They contain approximately **1,262 µg retinol activity equivalents (RAE)** per 100 g, which is significantly higher than the other options listed. - While fruits contain provitamin A carotenoids rather than preformed retinol, mangoes provide the highest **Vitamin A activity** among these choices. *Papaya* - While papaya does contain **beta-carotene**, its concentration is much lower (approximately **47 µg RAE/100 g**). - It is a good source of Vitamin C and other antioxidants, but not the leading source of Vitamin A among these fruits. *Tomato* - Tomatoes are rich in **lycopene**, another carotenoid, but it is not converted to **retinol** as beta-carotene is. - They have low overall **Vitamin A activity** (approximately **42 µg RAE/100 g**) compared to mangoes. *Orange* - Oranges are primarily known for their high content of **Vitamin C** and are poor sources of **Vitamin A**. - Their Vitamin A activity is minimal (approximately **11 µg RAE/100 g**), with primary carotenoids being **beta-cryptoxanthin** and **zeaxanthin**, which contribute less to Vitamin A activity.

Q: According to the WHO guidelines, the Body Mass Index cut off for overweight is:

≥ 25. ***≥ 25*** - A **Body Mass Index (BMI)** of **25.0 to 29.9 kg/m²** is classified as **overweight** according to **WHO international guidelines**. - This classification indicates a higher risk of developing various health problems. - **Note:** For Asian populations including India, modified cutoffs are used where **overweight is ≥23 kg/m²**. *≥ 18* - A BMI of **less than 18.5 kg/m²** is classified as **underweight**, indicating potential nutritional deficiencies. - A BMI between **18.5 and 24.9 kg/m²** is considered **normal weight** per WHO standards. *≥ 35* - A BMI of **≥ 35 kg/m²** falls into the category of **Obesity Class II or III**, representing a severe level of obesity. - This signifies a significantly elevated risk for severe health complications. *≥ 30* - A BMI of **≥ 30 kg/m²** is classified as **obese**, specifically **Obesity Class I**. - This threshold indicates a clear need for weight management interventions to reduce health risks.

Question 1

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a programme to meet the challenge of high prevalence of anaemia amongst adolescent boys and girls. Consider the following statements in relation to the key interventions being undertaken :
I. It entails supervised weekly administration of 100 mg elemental iron and 500 mu g folic acid.
II. These weekly iron-folic acid supplements are administered by using a fixed day approach.
III. It entails supervised administration of Albendazole 400 mg every three months for control of helminth infestation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

I and II

Answer

I only

Answer

I and III

Answer

II only

Question 2

Which one of the following is the major contributor to the total energy intake, in terms of energy provided, in an average Indian diet?

Accepted Answer

Carbohydrates

Answer

Proteins

Answer

Fats

Answer

Vitamins

Question 3

In the case of a 7 -year-old school-going child, which would be the most appropriate indicator to measure the current nutritional status?

Accepted Answer

Mid upper arm circumference

Answer

Birth weight

Answer

Head circumference

Answer

Weight for height

Question 4

Consider the following disorders :

1. Delayed motor milestones
2. Spastic diplegia
3. Nyctalopia
4. Hearing defects
Which of the above disorders occur as part of the spectrum of iodine deficiency disorders ?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 4

Answer

2, 3 and 4

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

1 and 3 only

Question 5

In India, the most widely prevalent stage of iron deficiency is

Accepted Answer

decreased iron stores without any other detectable abnormalities

Answer

fall in percentage saturation of transferrin

Answer

decrease in the concentration of circulating haemoglobin

Answer

overt iron deficiency with impaired haemoglobin synthesis

Question 6

Consider the following milks :

1. Buffalo milk
2. Cow milk
3. Goat milk
4. Human milk

What is the correct order (from highest to lowest) with regard to fat content per 100 gm in the milk?

Accepted Answer

1 → 3 → 4 → 2

Answer

2 → 1 → 4 → 3

Answer

1 → 2 → 3 → 4

Answer

4 → 2 → 3 → 1

Question 7

Consider the protein content of the following food items (in terms of grams per 100 grams of food) :

1. Cow milk
2. Meat
3. Soya bean
4. Sugar What is the correct descending order (highest to lowest) of protein content?

Accepted Answer

3 → 2 → 1 → 4

Answer

2 → 3 → 4 → 1

Answer

2 → 1 → 3 → 4

Answer

3 → 1 → 2 → 4

Question 8

With reference to Indian men, who can be categorized as carrying out 'moderate work', what is the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of thiamine (in mg/day)?

Accepted Answer

1.4

Answer

1.2

Answer

1.8

Answer

1.0

Question 9

Among the following, which has the highest quantity of retinol (Vitamin A) activity per 100 g of fruit?

Accepted Answer

Ripe Mango

Answer

Papaya

Answer

Tomato

Answer

Orange

Question 10

According to the WHO guidelines, the Body Mass Index cut off for overweight is:

Accepted Answer

≥ 25

Answer

≥ 18

Answer

≥ 35

Answer

≥ 30

Nutrition and Health — MCQs

Nutrition and Health — MCQs

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