Nutrition and Health Practice Questions

Q: According to WHO classification, severe thinness is defined as a BMI below which value?

< 16. ***Correct: < 16 kg/m²*** - The WHO classifies **BMI < 16 kg/m²** as **severe thinness (Grade 3 thinness)** - This represents critically low body weight with significant health risks - Values like 12, 13, 14, or 15 all fall into this severe thinness category *18* - BMI **18.5-24.9 kg/m²** is classified as **normal/healthy weight** by WHO - BMI **17.0-18.49 kg/m²** is classified as **mild thinness (Grade 1)** - 18 is not the threshold for severe thinness *14* - 14 kg/m² is **an example of a value** that falls within severe thinness - However, the question asks for the **threshold/cutoff value**, which is **16 kg/m²** - Any BMI below 16 (including 14, 13, 12) indicates severe thinness *13* - Like option 14, this is **a value within** the severe thinness range - The **defining threshold** is **< 16 kg/m²**, not 13 - The question asks for the classification cutoff, not an example value within the range

Q: What is the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of iodine in lactation in micrograms?

250. ***250*** - The **Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)** for iodine during lactation is set at **250 micrograms (mcg) daily**. - This increased requirement supports both the mother's thyroid hormone production and the infant's iodine needs through breast milk, which is crucial for **neurodevelopment**. *150* - **150 mcg** is the RDA for non-pregnant, non-lactating adult women and men. - This amount is insufficient to meet the additional demands of iodine during lactation. *220* - **220 mcg** is the RDA for iodine during pregnancy. - While higher than for non-pregnant adults, it is still below the recommended intake for lactation due to the greater iodine transfer into breast milk. *100* - **100 mcg** is well below the recommended iodine intake for any adult age group, especially during pregnancy or lactation. - Inadequate iodine intake can lead to **hypothyroidism** in both mother and infant, impacting neurological development.

Q: Most common cause of goiter in India is

Diffuse Endemic Goitre. ***Diffuse Endemic Goitre*** - **Iodine deficiency** is the leading cause of goiter globally, particularly in areas with poor iodine intake like some regions in India, leading to **diffuse endemic goiter** - In response to low iodine, the thyroid gland undergoes **hypertrophy** and **hyperplasia**, increasing in size in an attempt to capture more iodine for thyroid hormone synthesis - Despite the **Universal Salt Iodization (USI) program**, iodine deficiency disorders remain a significant public health concern in several Indian states *Papillary Carcinoma* - While it can cause a thyroid mass, **papillary carcinoma** is a malignant neoplastic condition, not the most common cause of generalized goiter - It presents as a **solitary or dominant nodule** and is not typically associated with widespread iodine deficiency - Accounts for only a small percentage of thyroid enlargements *Toxic Multinodular Goitre* - This condition involves multiple autonomously functioning nodules and primarily causes **hyperthyroidism**, not just goiter as a primary common presentation - More common in **elderly patients** and in regions with prior iodine deficiency (Jod-Basedow phenomenon) - Does not represent the most widespread cause of goiter in the general population of India *Hashimoto's Thyroiditis* - Hashimoto's is an **autoimmune disease** causing chronic lymphocytic thyroid inflammation and often hypothyroidism - While it can cause goiter, it typically produces a **firmer, less diffuse enlargement** than that seen with **iodine deficiency** - Not the most common cause of goiter in India, though its prevalence is increasing in urban areas

Q: What is the nutritional contribution of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in terms of pulses?

Provides 30 gm of pulses per day. ***Provides 30 gm of pulses per day*** - The Mid-Day Meal Scheme specifies the provision of **30 grams of pulses** daily for **upper primary classes (VI-VIII)**, and 20 grams for primary classes (I-V), contributing to protein intake. - This quantity ensures a consistent supply of **plant-based protein** as part of a balanced diet for schoolchildren. - The question refers to the commonly cited **30g standard for upper primary**, which is the most frequently referenced figure in examinations. *Provides 30% of daily protein needs* - While pulses contribute to protein intake, specifying a fixed **30% of daily protein needs** is not a direct nutritional guideline of the scheme for pulses alone. - The scheme focuses on providing a certain **quantity of pulses in grams**, from which the protein contribution is derived. *Provides 50% of daily energy needs* - The Mid-Day Meal Scheme aims to provide **300 kcal for primary** and **700 kcal for upper primary classes**, but this is derived from the entire meal composition (cereals, pulses, vegetables), not just pulses. - The scheme's **energy contribution** is holistic and represents approximately 33% of daily energy requirements, not 50%. *None of the options* - One of the provided options accurately reflects a specific guideline of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme regarding pulses. - The scheme has clear stipulations for the **quantity of pulses in grams** to be served.

Q: Vanaspati Ghee is fortified with ?

Vitamin A. ***Vitamin A*** - **Vanaspati Ghee** is commonly fortified with **Vitamin A** to improve its nutritional value and address deficiencies. - Fortification helps to combat **Vitamin A deficiency disorders**, such as **night blindness**. *Iodine* - **Iodine** is typically used to fortify **table salt** to prevent **goiter** and **iodine deficiency disorders**. - It is not commonly added to Vanaspati Ghee. *Iron* - **Iron** is commonly used to fortify foods like **flour** and **cereals** to combat **anemia**. - Vanaspati Ghee is not a common vehicle for iron fortification. *Calcium* - **Calcium** is often added to dairy products or certain beverages to support **bone health**. - It is not a standard fortification for Vanaspati Ghee.

Q: What is the recommended therapeutic supplementation of iron and folic acid for adults with deficiency?

100 mg iron, 500 mcg folic acid. ***100 mg iron, 500 mcg folic acid*** - For adults with **iron deficiency anemia**, the therapeutic dose of elemental iron is typically **100-200 mg daily**, commonly given as ferrous sulfate 325 mg (containing ~65 mg elemental iron) 2-3 times daily. **100 mg is an appropriate therapeutic dose**. - For **folic acid deficiency**, the standard therapeutic dose is **1-5 mg (1000-5000 mcg) daily** for treating established deficiency. However, **500 mcg (0.5 mg)** represents a minimal therapeutic/high prophylactic dose that may be used in milder deficiencies or as initial supplementation. Among the given options, this is the most appropriate combination. *20 mg iron, 500 mcg folic acid* - **20 mg of iron** is grossly insufficient for therapeutic supplementation in iron deficiency anemia and would fail to correct the anemia adequately. - While 500 mcg folic acid has some therapeutic value, the **iron dose is far too low** for treatment. *40 mg iron, 250 mcg folic acid* - **40 mg of iron** is a prophylactic dose (used in pregnancy or prevention) but is **insufficient for therapeutic correction** of established iron deficiency anemia. - **250 mcg of folic acid** is also a prophylactic dose and inadequate for treating established deficiency. *100 mg iron, 100 mcg folic acid* - **100 mg of iron** is an appropriate therapeutic dose for treating **iron deficiency anemia**. - However, **100 mcg of folic acid** is purely a maintenance/prophylactic dose found in multivitamins and is **grossly insufficient** for treating established folic acid deficiency.

Q: Which food item contains the highest protein content among the following options?

Soyabean. ***Soyabean*** - **Soybeans** are considered a complete protein, containing all **nine essential amino acids** required for human health. - They typically contain about **36-40 grams of protein per 100 grams** (dried/raw), making them one of the richest plant-based protein sources. - This is **significantly higher** than any of the other options listed. *Egg* - A **large egg** contains approximately **6 grams of high-quality protein**, including all essential amino acids. - Per 100 grams, eggs provide about **12-13 grams of protein** - excellent quality but much lower quantity than soybeans. *Rice* - **Rice**, particularly white rice, is primarily a source of **carbohydrates** and contains relatively low protein content. - Raw white rice provides about **7 grams of protein per 100 grams** (uncooked), making it the lowest protein source among these options. *Wheat* - **Wheat** is a grain rich in carbohydrates and also contains a moderate amount of protein, primarily **gluten**. - Whole wheat grain contains approximately **13-14 grams of protein per 100 grams**, which is comparable to eggs but significantly less than soybeans.

Q: Protein quality assessment is best done by?

NPU. ***NPU*** - **Net Protein Utilization (NPU)** is considered the best method for assessing protein quality because it measures the percentage of ingested protein that is actually retained and utilized by the body. - It accounts for both the **digestibility** of the protein and the **biological value** of the absorbed amino acids, providing a comprehensive assessment. *Biological value* - **Biological Value (BV)** measures the proportion of absorbed protein from food that becomes incorporated into proteins in the organism's body. - While important, BV does not account for the **digestibility** of the protein, meaning some protein may not be absorbed even if its amino acid profile is excellent. *Digestibility coefficient* - The **digestibility coefficient** measures the proportion of food protein that is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. - It only reflects the extent of **absorption** and does not provide information about how efficiently the absorbed amino acids are utilized once inside the body for protein synthesis. *Amino acid score* - The **amino acid score** compares the amino acid profile of a test protein with the amino acid requirements of humans. - This score identifies the **limiting amino acid** but does not factor in the protein's digestibility or how effectively the absorbed amino acids are used by the body.

Q: What is the caloric requirement for an adult male engaged in heavy physical work?

3500 kcal/d. ***3500 kcal/d*** - Adult males engaged in **heavy physical work** have significantly higher energy demands due to increased **metabolic expenditure**. - This level of caloric intake is necessary to support physical activity, maintain muscle mass, and prevent weight loss in individuals with demanding occupations. *2000 kcal/d* - This caloric intake is typically recommended for adult females who are **sedentary** or for adult males engaging in light activity, which is insufficient for heavy physical work. - It would likely lead to a **caloric deficit** and weight loss for an individual performing heavy labor. *2500 kcal/d* - This level of intake is more appropriate for moderately active adult males, but it would often be **insufficient** for those performing heavy physical work. - Individuals engaged in heavy labor require additional energy to fuel their intense activities to maintain **energy balance**. *3000 kcal/d* - While a higher intake, 3000 kcal/d might still be **borderline** or insufficient for an adult male engaged in very heavy or sustained physical work. - This value might be appropriate for moderately heavy work, but heavy work often necessitates an even higher **caloric intake** to meet energy demands.

Q: Skin fold thickness is measured in all of the following places, EXCEPT:

Suprapubic. ***Suprapubic*** - The **suprapubic** region is not a standard site for measuring **skinfold thickness** in body composition assessment. - Skinfold measurements are typically taken from areas with subcutaneous fat that are easily accessible and standardized. *Mid triceps* - The **mid-triceps** is a common and important site for measuring skinfold thickness due to its relatively consistent subcutaneous fat distribution. - It is used to estimate total body fat and is a good indicator of **nutritional status**. *Biceps* - The **biceps** region is also a recognized site for skinfold thickness measurements, providing data on upper arm subcutaneous fat. - It is often measured alongside the triceps to give a more comprehensive picture of fat distribution in the arm. *Suprailiac* - The **suprailiac** region, located just above the iliac crest, is a standard site for skinfold measurements. - This site is particularly useful for assessing abdominal fat and is included in many body composition models.

Question 1

According to WHO classification, severe thinness is defined as a BMI below which value?

Accepted Answer

< 16

Answer

18

Answer

14

Answer

13

Question 2

What is the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of iodine in lactation in micrograms?

Accepted Answer

250

Answer

150

Answer

220

Answer

100

Question 3

Most common cause of goiter in India is

Accepted Answer

Diffuse Endemic Goitre

Answer

Papillary Carcinoma

Answer

Toxic Multinodular Goitre

Answer

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Question 4

What is the nutritional contribution of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in terms of pulses?

Accepted Answer

Provides 30 gm of pulses per day

Answer

Provides 30% of daily protein needs

Answer

Provides 50% of daily energy needs

Answer

None of the options

Question 5

Vanaspati Ghee is fortified with ?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin A

Answer

Iodine

Answer

Iron

Answer

Calcium

Question 6

What is the recommended therapeutic supplementation of iron and folic acid for adults with deficiency?

Accepted Answer

100 mg iron, 500 mcg folic acid

Answer

20 mg iron, 500 mcg folic acid

Answer

40 mg iron, 250 mcg folic acid

Answer

100 mg iron, 100 mcg folic acid

Question 7

Which food item contains the highest protein content among the following options?

Accepted Answer

Soyabean

Answer

Egg

Answer

Rice

Answer

Wheat

Question 8

Protein quality assessment is best done by?

Accepted Answer

NPU

Answer

Biological value

Answer

Amino acid score

Answer

Digestibility coefficient

Question 9

What is the caloric requirement for an adult male engaged in heavy physical work?

Accepted Answer

3500 kcal/d

Answer

2000 kcal/d

Answer

2500 kcal/d

Answer

3000 kcal/d

Question 10

Skin fold thickness is measured in all of the following places, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Suprapubic

Answer

Mid triceps

Answer

Biceps

Answer

Suprailiac

Nutrition and Health — MCQs

Nutrition and Health — MCQs

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