Nutrition and Health — MCQs

Nutrition and Health Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 601: What is the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of iodine in lactation in micrograms?

A. 150
B. 220
C. 100
D. 250 (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***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.

Question 602: According to WHO classification, severe thinness is defined as a BMI below which value?

A. 18
B. 14
C. < 16 (Correct Answer)
D. 13

Explanation: ***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

Question 603: Most common cause of goiter in India is

A. Diffuse Endemic Goitre (Correct Answer)
B. Papillary Carcinoma
C. Toxic Multinodular Goitre
D. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Explanation: ***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

Question 604: Skin fold thickness is measured in all of the following places, EXCEPT:

A. Mid triceps
B. Biceps
C. Suprailiac
D. Suprapubic (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***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 605: What is the nutritional contribution of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in terms of pulses?

A. Provides 30% of daily protein needs
B. Provides 30 gm of pulses per day (Correct Answer)
C. Provides 50% of daily energy needs
D. None of the options

Explanation: ***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.

Question 606: Which condition has the maximum relative risk attributed to obesity?

A. Hypertension
B. CHD
C. DM (Correct Answer)
D. Cancer

Explanation: ***DM*** - Obesity is a major risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), with a **relative risk often exceeding 3-7 times that of normal-weight individuals**, and even higher for severe obesity. - The link is primarily due to **insulin resistance** caused by increased adipose tissue. *Hypertension* - Obesity significantly increases the risk of hypertension, with a relative risk typically in the range of **2 to 3 times higher** than normal-weight individuals. - The mechanisms involve increased **blood volume**, **sympathetic nervous system activity**, and **renal sodium reabsorption**. *CHD* - Obesity is a strong independent risk factor for Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), contributing to a relative risk of approximately **1.5 to 2.5 times higher** than normal weight. - It often acts by exacerbating other risk factors like **hypertension**, **dyslipidemia**, and **diabetes**. *Cancer* - Obesity is linked to various cancers, including endometrial, esophageal adenocarcinoma, renal cell, and breast cancer in postmenopausal women, with relative risks typically ranging from **1.2 to 2 times higher** for specific cancers. - The pathways include **chronic inflammation**, altered **hormone levels** (e.g., estrogen), and **insulin-like growth factor signaling**.

Question 607: Vanaspati Ghee is fortified with ?

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

Explanation: ***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.

Question 608: According to the World Health Organization, how is obesity defined for adults?

A. BMI ≥35 kg/m²
B. BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²
C. BMI ≥25 kg/m²
D. BMI ≥30 kg/m² (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***BMI ≥30 kg/m²*** - The World Health Organization (WHO) defines **obesity** in adults as having a **Body Mass Index (BMI)** of **30 kg/m² or greater**. - This classification is widely used globally for public health monitoring and clinical diagnosis. *BMI ≥25 kg/m²* - A BMI of **25 kg/m² or greater** is classified by the WHO as **overweight**, not obese. - Individuals in this category are at an increased risk of health problems but have not yet reached the obesity threshold. *BMI ≥35 kg/m²* - While a BMI of **35 kg/m² or greater** indicates a higher degree of obesity (often categorized as Class II or severe obesity), it is not the general definition of obesity itself according to WHO. - The general definition encompasses all individuals with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or higher. *BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²* - A BMI between **18.5 and 24.9 kg/m²** is considered a **healthy weight range** by the WHO. - This range is associated with the lowest risk of developing weight-related health issues.

Question 609: Which of the following is a key criterion for a prudent diet?

A. Fat intake 35-40% of total energy
B. Dietary cholesterol < 300 mg/1000Kcal per day
C. Salt intake <10 g/day
D. Saturated fats < 10% of total energy (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Saturated fats < 10% of total energy*** - Limiting **saturated fat intake** to less than 10% of total energy is a key recommendation for a prudent diet to reduce the risk of **cardiovascular disease**. - High intake of saturated fats can increase **LDL cholesterol** ("bad" cholesterol), contributing to **atherosclerosis**. *Fat intake 35-40% of total energy* - This range is generally considered **too high** for a healthy diet, as excessive fat intake can lead to **obesity** and increased risk of chronic diseases. - A more prudent range for total fat intake is typically around **20-35% of total energy**. *Dietary cholesterol < 300 mg/1000Kcal per day* - While limiting dietary cholesterol was historically a key recommendation, current guidelines emphasize reducing **saturated and trans fats** more strongly than dietary cholesterol itself due to its limited impact on blood cholesterol for most people. - The limit of **300 mg/day** for dietary cholesterol is an older guideline; many newer recommendations do not specify an upper limit for dietary cholesterol for healthy individuals. *Salt intake <10 g/day* - This statement indicates a salt intake of less than 10 grams per day, which is still **higher** than the generally recommended upper limit for a prudent diet. - Current guidelines suggest limiting **sodium intake** to less than 2300 mg (approximately 5.8g of salt) per day, with an ideal limit of less than 1500 mg (approximately 3.8g of salt) for most adults to manage **blood pressure**.

Question 610: Which grain has the highest calcium content?

A. Jowar
B. Bajara
C. Finger millet (Correct Answer)
D. None of the options

Explanation: ***Finger millet*** - **Finger millet**, also known as **Ragi**, is exceptionally rich in **calcium**, containing significantly more than other common grains. - It is a valuable dietary source for **bone health** and preventing **calcium deficiencies**. *Jowar* - **Jowar** (sorghum) is a good source of various nutrients but has a **lower calcium content** compared to finger millet. - It is known more for its **fiber** and iron content. *Bajara* - **Bajara** (pearl millet) provides a moderate amount of **calcium** but is surpassed by finger millet. - It is favored for its **energy content** and beneficial fatty acids. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **finger millet** indeed has a remarkably high calcium content, making it a clear answer. - The other grains mentioned, while nutritious, do not match finger millet's calcium profile.

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

Want unlimited practice?

Get full access to all questions, explanations, and performance tracking.

Start For Free