Nutrition and Health — MCQs

In a village, it is observed that several farmers have crossed gait and use a stick for support to stand up and walk. Due to poor yield from farms, they consume meals containing rice and pulses only. Supplementing their diet with which of the following vitamins could have prevented neurological symptoms associated with their condition?

Q600

Which of the following agencies is primarily responsible for supporting school feeding programs globally?

Nutrition and Health Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 591: What public health measure is recommended for the prevention of iodine deficiency disorders?

A. Universal salt iodization (Correct Answer)
B. Mass administration of iodine tablets
C. Dietary diversification to include more seafood
D. Fortification of water with iodine

Explanation: ***Universal salt iodization*** - **Universal salt iodization (USI)** is the most widely recognized and cost-effective public health strategy for preventing **iodine deficiency disorders (IDD)**. - It ensures a consistent, low-dose intake of iodine across the population through a staple food item, thus reaching a large number of individuals without requiring individual compliance. *Mass administration of iodine tablets* - **Mass administration of iodine tablets** is typically used in emergency situations, such as **nuclear incidents**, to block radioactive iodine uptake by the thyroid. - It is not a sustainable or practical long-term strategy for routine prevention of **iodine deficiency** in the general population due to concerns about overtreatment and compliance. *Dietary diversification to include more seafood* - While **seafood** is a good natural source of iodine, relying on **dietary diversification** alone is often insufficient to address widespread iodine deficiency, especially in landlocked or resource-poor regions. - This approach is challenging to implement universally and consistently across diverse populations and dietary habits. *Fortification of water with iodine* - **Fortification of water with iodine** is technically challenging due to concerns about the stability of iodine in water, potential for over- or under-dosing, and interactions with water purification processes. - **Salt iodization** is generally preferred because salt consumption is more uniform across populations and iodine is relatively stable when added to salt.

Question 592: A community health worker is educating people about the prevention of anemia. Which program is aimed at reducing the prevalence of anemia in India?

A. National Iron Plus Initiative
B. Anemia Mukt Bharat (Correct Answer)
C. National Nutrition Mission
D. Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram

Explanation: ***Anemia Mukt Bharat*** - This program, launched in 2018, is specifically designed to accelerate the decline of **anemia prevalence** in India by focusing on six target beneficiaries and six interventions. - Its comprehensive strategy aims to reduce anemia by 3 percentage points per year among **adolescents, pregnant women, and young children.** *National Iron Plus Initiative* - This initiative focuses primarily on providing **iron and folic acid supplementation** to vulnerable groups. - While it's a component of anemia prevention, it's not the overarching program aimed at *reducing the prevalence* across all aspects. *National Nutrition Mission* - Also known as **POSHAN Abhiyaan**, this mission aims to improve nutritional outcomes across the country, addressing **malnutrition** in a broader sense. - While anemia is a part of nutrition, the mission encompasses a wider range of nutritional deficiencies and health issues beyond just anemia. *Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram* - This program focuses on **screening, early detection, and management** of health conditions in children from birth to 18 years, covering aspects like defects at birth, diseases, deficiencies, and developmental delays. - It is a child health program that addresses various health concerns, not specifically focused on the comprehensive reduction of anemia prevalence as a primary objective.

Question 593: Which nutritional deficiency is most commonly observed in school-age children according to national surveys?

A. Vitamin A deficiency
B. Iron deficiency anemia (Correct Answer)
C. Iodine deficiency disorders
D. Calcium deficiency

Explanation: ***Iron deficiency anemia*** - **Iron deficiency anemia** is globally the most prevalent nutritional deficiency, especially common in school-age children due to increased growth demands and inadequate dietary intake. - It impairs **cognitive development**, reduces physical performance, and weakens the immune system, significantly impacting school performance. *Vitamin A deficiency* - While **Vitamin A deficiency** is a significant public health problem in many developing countries, leading to **xerophthalmia** and increased susceptibility to infections, it is not consistently the most common deficiency in school-aged children globally compared to iron. - Supplementation programs have reduced its prevalence in several regions. *Iodine deficiency disorders* - **Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD)** are a major concern in areas with low iodine in the soil and food, leading to **goiter** and impaired cognitive development. - However, universal salt iodization programs have significantly reduced its prevalence in many regions, making it less consistently the most common deficiency among school-aged children across national surveys than iron deficiency. *Calcium deficiency* - **Calcium deficiency** can affect bone health and growth in children, potentially leading to **osteoporosis** later in life if left unaddressed. - While important, national surveys often indicate that it is not as widespread or as frequently observed as iron deficiency anemia in school-aged children, particularly in terms of clinical impact and prevalence.

Question 594: What is the BMI value that indicates severe malnutrition in men?

A. 13
B. 12
C. 18
D. Less than 16 (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Less than 16*** - A BMI of less than **16 kg/m²** is classified as **severe underweight** or severe malnutrition according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international guidelines, irrespective of sex. - This value indicates a significant depletion of body fat and muscle mass, leading to increased health risks. *12* - While a BMI of 12 kg/m² would indeed fall under severe malnutrition, it is a specific number that does not encompass the entire range of BMIs indicating this condition. - The threshold for severe malnutrition is defined as being **less than 16 kg/m²**, not a single specific value, making this option too restrictive. *18* - A BMI of 18 kg/m² is classified as **underweight**, but it does not represent severe malnutrition. - The threshold for moderate underweight is generally considered to be below 18.5 kg/m², but above 17 kg/m². *13* - Similar to a BMI of 12 kg/m², a BMI of 13 kg/m² falls within the **severely malnourished** category but is not the full defining threshold. - The correct threshold is defined as being **less than 16 kg/m²**, not a specific number within that range.

Question 595: Which of the following is considered an inexpensive source of iron?

A. Almonds
B. Grapes
C. Soybeans
D. Jaggery (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Jaggery*** - **Jaggery** is a traditional unrefined sugar product commonly consumed in Asia and Africa, which is rich in **iron** due to the concentration of minerals during its production. - It is often considered an **inexpensive** and accessible source of iron, especially in rural areas, compared to other fortified foods or supplements. *Almonds* - While almonds contain some iron, the amount is relatively low, and they are generally considered a more **expensive** food source compared to jaggery. - Almonds are primarily known for their high content of healthy fats, fiber, and **vitamin E**, rather than iron. *Grapes* - Grapes contain minimal amounts of iron, and they are not considered a significant or **inexpensive** source to address iron deficiency. - They are primarily recognized for their **antioxidant properties** and high water content. *Soybeans* - Soybeans are a good source of **non-heme iron**, but their bioavailability can be affected by **phytates**, natural compounds that inhibit iron absorption. - While nutritious, they might not be as readily available or **inexpensive** in all regions as jaggery, especially for populations with limited resources.

Question 596: Most common nutritional problem in India?

A. Low birth weight
B. Fluorosis
C. Vitamin A deficiency
D. Iron deficiency anemia (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Iron deficiency anemia*** - **Iron deficiency anemia** is the most prevalent nutritional disorder in India, affecting a significant portion of its population across all age groups. - This widespread deficiency leads to impaired cognitive development, reduced work productivity, and increased susceptibility to infections. *Low birth weight* - While a significant public health issue in India, **low birth weight** is often a consequence of maternal malnutrition, including iron deficiency, rather than a primary nutritional problem itself. - It reflects broader issues of maternal health and nutrition, but not the single most common *nutritional problem* in the general population. *Fluorosis* - **Fluorosis** is a problem in specific regions of India due to excessive fluoride in drinking water, leading to dental and skeletal issues. - It is a localized problem and not the most widespread nutritional deficiency across the entire country. *Vitamin A deficiency* - **Vitamin A deficiency** is a significant public health concern in India, particularly among children, contributing to blindness and increased mortality. - However, its prevalence, while high, is generally considered lower than that of iron deficiency anemia in the overall population.

Question 597: What is the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin A for adolescent females?

A. 700 mcg (Correct Answer)
B. 400 mcg
C. 350 mcg
D. 800 mcg

Explanation: ***700 mcg*** - The **Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)** for vitamin A in adolescent females (ages 14-18 years) is **700 micrograms (mcg) per day** of retinol activity equivalents (RAE). - This intake supports normal vision, immune function, reproduction, and cell growth, which are crucial during adolescence. *400 mcg* - This value is significantly below the recommended intake for adolescent females and could lead to **vitamin A deficiency** if consumed consistently. - Insufficient vitamin A can impair vision, immune response, and overall growth and development during this critical life stage. *350 mcg* - This amount is well below the RDA for adolescent females and could contribute to **hypovitaminosis A**. - Symptoms of deficiency might include **night blindness**, increased susceptibility to infections, and impaired growth. *800 mcg* - While closer to the RDA, **800 mcg** is slightly above the recommended intake and not the precise RDA for adolescent females. - While generally safe, excessive vitamin A from supplements can lead to **toxicity**, particularly from preformed vitamin A (retinol).

Question 598: Which of the following is true regarding the average height of Indian women?

A. Average height is 152 cm (Correct Answer)
B. Average weight is 60 kg
C. Average BMI is 22
D. None of the options

Explanation: ***Average height is 152 cm*** - According to the **National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5, 2019-21)**, the average height of Indian women aged 15-49 years is approximately **152.0 cm** (approximately 5 feet). - This figure is based on nationally representative data covering all states and union territories. - Regional variations exist, with women in northern states generally being slightly taller than those in eastern and southern states. *Average weight is 60 kg* - The average weight for Indian women, according to **NFHS-5**, is closer to **55-57 kg**, not 60 kg. - 60 kg is above the national average, though it may reflect values in certain urban or affluent populations. - Weight varies significantly based on age, socioeconomic status, and regional dietary patterns. *Average BMI is 22* - While a BMI of 22 is within the **healthy range (18.5-24.9 kg/m²)**, the actual average BMI for Indian women per NFHS-5 is approximately **23-23.5 kg/m²**. - This option is close to the actual average but not precisely accurate for competitive exam purposes. - The increasing trend in BMI reflects rising prevalence of **overweight and obesity** in India. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because the statement regarding average height (152 cm) is accurate and supported by **NFHS-5 data**. - The correct answer is clearly identifiable among the given options.

Question 599: In a village, it is observed that several farmers have crossed gait and use a stick for support to stand up and walk. Due to poor yield from farms, they consume meals containing rice and pulses only. Supplementing their diet with which of the following vitamins could have prevented neurological symptoms associated with their condition?

A. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) (Correct Answer)
B. Vitamin A
C. Vitamin D
D. Vitamin C

Explanation: ***Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)*** - The symptoms described, such as **crossed gait** (ataxia) and difficulty standing and walking, are classic signs of **neurological dysfunction**. A diet primarily of **rice and pulses** is often deficient in thiamine, especially in regions where polished rice is a staple. - Deficiency in thiamine leads to **beriberi**, which can manifest as **dry beriberi** (neurological symptoms) or **wet beriberi** (cardiovascular symptoms). *Vitamin A* - Deficiency primarily affects **vision** (e.g., **night blindness**, xerophthalmia) and **immune function**, not gait or neurological coordination in this manner. - While essential for health, its deficiency does not typically present with the described neurological signs. *Vitamin D* - Deficiency primarily affects **bone health**, leading to conditions like **rickets in children** and **osteomalacia in adults**, causing bone pain and muscle weakness, but not typically a crossed gait. - It plays a role in calcium and phosphate metabolism, essential for bone mineralization. *Vitamin C* - Deficiency causes **scurvy**, characterized by **gingival bleeding**, **poor wound healing**, and **petechiae**, due to impaired collagen synthesis. - It does not directly cause the neurological symptoms or gait abnormalities described in the scenario.

Question 600: Which of the following agencies is primarily responsible for supporting school feeding programs globally?

A. WFP (Correct Answer)
B. UNDP
C. UNICEF
D. WHO

Explanation: ***WFP (World Food Programme)*** - **WFP** is the **primary UN agency** responsible for supporting **school feeding programs globally**, operating in over 60 countries and providing meals to millions of schoolchildren. - WFP's school feeding programs are the world's largest safety net initiative, combining hunger relief with education support, and are a **flagship program** of the organization. - The agency focuses specifically on food assistance and hunger, making school feeding programs a core component of their mission to achieve Zero Hunger. *UNICEF* - **UNICEF** does support child nutrition and welfare programs, including some school-based nutrition initiatives, but it is **not the primary agency** for school feeding programs. - UNICEF's broader mandate focuses on child rights, health, education, and protection, with nutrition being one component rather than the specialized focus that WFP has on food assistance. - UNICEF often **collaborates with WFP** on school feeding initiatives rather than leading them independently. *UNDP* - The **UNDP** (United Nations Development Programme) focuses on sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and resilient societies. - While food security is part of development goals, UNDP does not directly implement or primarily fund school feeding programs compared to WFP. *WHO* - The **WHO** (World Health Organization) is the leading international authority on public health, focusing on disease prevention, health standards, and health policy. - While WHO provides guidance on nutritional standards and healthy diets for children, it does **not implement or fund school feeding programs** - this operational role belongs to WFP.

Practice by Chapter

Basic Nutritional Requirements

Practice Questions

Assessment of Nutritional Status

Practice Questions

Protein-Energy Malnutrition

Practice Questions

Micronutrient Deficiencies

Practice Questions

Nutritional Programs in India

Practice Questions

Dietary Guidelines

Practice Questions

Food Safety and Security

Practice Questions

Diet and Non-Communicable Diseases

Practice Questions

Nutrition in Pregnancy and Lactation

Practice Questions

Infant and Young Child Nutrition

Practice Questions

Nutrition in Emergencies

Practice Questions

Food Fortification and Supplementation

Practice Questions

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