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: 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 606: 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 607: 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 608: 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 609: 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 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

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