Nutrition and Health — MCQs

Nutrition and Health Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 621: Which of the following statements is correct regarding lactic acid, sorbic acid, and sulphurous acid?

A. Lactic acid and sorbic acid only
B. Sorbic acid and sulphurous acid only
C. None of these substances are preservatives
D. All of these substances are preservatives (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***All of these substances are preservatives*** - **Lactic acid**, **sorbic acid**, and **sulfurous acid** are all commonly used as food preservatives due to their antimicrobial properties. - They inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeasts, and molds, thereby extending the shelf life of food products. *Lactic acid and sorbic acid only* - This option is incorrect because **sulfurous acid** is also a widely recognized food preservative. - While lactic and sorbic acids are preservatives, excluding sulfurous acid makes this statement incomplete. *Sorbic acid and sulphurous acid only* - This option is incorrect as **lactic acid** is also a food preservative. - Lactic acid is naturally present in fermented foods and is added to many products to prevent spoilage. *None of these substances are preservatives* - This option is completely incorrect as **lactic acid**, **sorbic acid**, and **sulfurous acid** are all established and widely utilized food preservatives. - They play crucial roles in food safety and preservation.

Question 622: Which index of obesity does not include height?

A. BMI
B. Broca's index
C. Ponderal's index
D. Waist circumference (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Waist circumference*** - **Waist circumference** directly measures abdominal fat accumulation, which is a significant indicator of health risk independent of height. - It does not incorporate height in its calculation, making it a simple and practical tool for assessing **central obesity**. *BMI* - **Body Mass Index (BMI)** is calculated using a person's **weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters** (kg/m²). - Therefore, height is an integral component of the BMI calculation. *Ponderal's index* - **Ponderal's index** (also known as the Rohrer Index) is calculated as **weight in kilograms divided by the cube of height in meters** (kg/m³). - This index explicitly includes height as a cubed variable in its formula. *Broca's index* - **Broca's index** estimates ideal body weight based on height (ideal weight in kg = height in cm - 100). - It is directly dependent on height for its calculation.

Question 623: What is the recommended daily intake of milk for a healthy adult with moderate physical activity?

A. 200 ml/day
B. 100 ml/day
C. 150 ml/day
D. 250 ml/day
E. 300 ml/day (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***300 ml/day*** - According to **ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research)** and **National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) guidelines**, the recommended daily intake of milk for a healthy adult is **300 ml per day**. - This amount provides approximately **300-360 mg of calcium**, contributing significantly to the adult requirement of **600 mg/day**. - This recommendation ensures adequate intake of **calcium, protein, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and vitamin A** for bone health and overall nutrition. *250 ml/day* - While this is close to the recommendation, it is **slightly below the ICMR/NIN standard of 300 ml/day**. - This amount would provide adequate nutrition but may fall short of optimal calcium intake without additional dairy sources. *200 ml/day* - This intake is **below the recommended amount** and may not provide sufficient calcium and nutrients for optimal bone health. - Adults consuming this amount would need to supplement with other **calcium-rich foods** like yogurt, cheese, or fortified foods. *150 ml/day* - This is **significantly below the recommended intake** and would be insufficient to meet daily calcium requirements. - Such low intake increases the risk of **calcium deficiency** without substantial dietary supplementation. *100 ml/day* - This is **grossly inadequate** for meeting the daily nutrient needs from milk. - Would require **multiple alternative calcium sources** to reach adequate intake levels.

Question 624: Which parameter is considered the best for assessing chronic malnutrition?

A. Weight relative to age
B. Weight relative to height
C. Circumference of the mid-arm
D. Height relative to age (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Height relative to age*** - **Height-for-age** is the best indicator of **chronic malnutrition** (stunting) because it reflects prolonged nutritional inadequacy and retarded linear growth. - A low height-for-age indicates that a child has suffered from long-term nutritional deficits, affecting their growth potential. *Weight relative to age* - **Weight-for-age** is a composite indicator that reflects both acute and chronic malnutrition, but it doesn't differentiate between them. - A low weight-for-age could indicate **wasting** (acute) or **stunting** (chronic), or both. *Weight relative to height* - **Weight-for-height** is the best indicator of **acute malnutrition** (wasting). - It reflects recent and severe weight loss or failure to gain weight, indicating a current nutritional deficit, not necessarily a long-term one. *Circumference of the mid-arm* - **Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)** is primarily used as a screening tool for **acute malnutrition** in children, particularly in emergency situations. - While useful for community-based screening, it is not as precise for assessing chronic malnutrition over time compared to height-for-age.

Question 625: Primary prevention of obesity includes:

A. Low fiber diet
B. High fiber diet (Correct Answer)
C. High intake of protein
D. High cholesterol diet

Explanation: ***High fiber diet*** - A **high fiber diet** promotes satiety, reducing overall caloric intake, which is a key strategy in the **primary prevention of obesity**. - Fiber also aids in **digestive health**, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and reduces energy density of foods, all preventing weight gain. - **High fiber intake is strongly recommended** by WHO and ICMR guidelines for obesity prevention. *Low fiber diet* - A **low fiber diet** can lead to less satiety, potentially increasing overall calorie consumption and contributing to weight gain. - It does not offer the same benefits in terms of digestive regulation or blood sugar control as a high-fiber diet. *High cholesterol diet* - A **high cholesterol diet** is primarily associated with an increased risk of **cardiovascular disease** and does not directly target the mechanisms of obesity prevention. - While some high-cholesterol foods may contribute to high caloric intake, the focus for obesity prevention is on overall caloric balance and nutrient density rather than cholesterol content alone. *High intake of protein* - While **adequate protein intake** is beneficial for satiety and maintaining muscle mass during weight management, it is not the **primary focus** of obesity prevention strategies compared to **high fiber intake**. - Among the given options, **high fiber diet** is the most evidence-based and universally recommended primary prevention strategy for obesity, as emphasized in dietary guidelines worldwide.

Question 626: According to the nutritional standards for the mid-day meals programme, meals supplied should provide:

A. 1/2 calories and 1/3 proteins
B. 1/3 calories and 1/2 proteins (Correct Answer)
C. 1/3 calories and 1/3 proteins
D. 1/2 calories and 1/2 proteins

Explanation: ***1/3 calories and 1/2 proteins*** - The **nutritional standards** for the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) program are designed to supplement a child's daily dietary needs, not fully provide them. - Specifically, they aim to cover **one-third of the caloric requirement** and **half of the protein requirement** for a school-going child. *1/2 calories and 1/2 proteins* - This option incorrectly states that half of the caloric requirement is supplied, while the MDM scheme provides only **one-third of the daily caloric needs**. - While half the protein is correct, the incorrect caloric provision makes this option unsuitable. *1/2 calories and 1/3 proteins* - This option is inaccurate as it proposes half of the caloric requirement, instead of **one-third**, and one-third of the protein requirement, instead of **half**. - The specific proportions of calories and proteins are clearly defined to ensure a balanced supplementary diet. *1/3 calories and 1/3 proteins* - While it correctly states one-third of the caloric provision, it incorrectly suggests only **one-third of the protein requirement** is met. - The MDM program aims to provide a higher proportion of protein (one-half) to ensure adequate intake for growing children.

Question 627: Which of the following clinical signs is most indicative of vitamin A deficiency in a community?

A. Corneal ulcer prevalence of 0.1%
B. Conjunctival xerosis prevalence of 0.2%
C. Bitot spots prevalence of 0.5%
D. Night blindness prevalence of 10% (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Night blindness prevalence of 10%*** - **Night blindness** is the earliest and most common clinical sign of **vitamin A deficiency** (WHO classification X1A/X1B). - A prevalence of **10%** indicates a **severe public health problem** according to WHO criteria (>1% is considered a public health problem). - It affects a large proportion of the population and is the most sensitive indicator for community-level assessment. *Corneal ulcer prevalence of 0.1%* - **Corneal ulcers** (keratomalacia) are a severe, sight-threatening manifestation of **vitamin A deficiency** representing late-stage disease (WHO classification X3). - While serious and requiring urgent intervention, a prevalence of 0.1% indicates fewer affected individuals compared to night blindness. *Conjunctival xerosis prevalence of 0.2%* - **Conjunctival xerosis** is a clinical sign of vitamin A deficiency characterized by dryness of the conjunctiva (WHO classification X1A). - A prevalence of 0.2% is relatively low compared to night blindness, making it less indicative of widespread community-level deficiency. *Bitot spots prevalence of 0.5%* - **Bitot spots** are a specific sign of **vitamin A deficiency**, characterized by foamy, dry patches on the conjunctiva (WHO classification X1B). - A prevalence of 0.5% is higher than other severe signs but still less indicative of widespread deficiency than night blindness.

Question 628: Yellow color on the new WHO standard mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) tape correlates to a MUAC of what?

A. 10.5 to 11.5 cm
B. 11.5 to 12.5 cm (Correct Answer)
C. 12.5 to 13.5 cm
D. 13.5 to 14.5 cm

Explanation: ***11.5 to 12.5 cm*** - The **yellow segment** on the new WHO standard MUAC tape indicates a moderate nutritional status, corresponding to a MUAC measurement between **11.5 cm and less than 12.5 cm**. - This range identifies children who are at risk of malnutrition or have **moderate acute malnutrition**, requiring closer monitoring or supplementary feeding. *10.5 to 11.5 cm* - This range (specifically, less than **11.5 cm**) is typically represented by the **red segment** on the MUAC tape, indicating **severe acute malnutrition**. - Children in this category require urgent medical referral and treatment for severe acute malnutrition. *12.5 to 13.5 cm* - A MUAC measurement within this range falls into the **green segment** of the tape, indicating a **healthy nutritional status**. - Children with MUAC values in this range are generally considered well-nourished. *13.5 to 14.5 cm* - This range also falls within the **green segment** of the MUAC tape, signifying a **normal nutritional status**. - It indicates that the child is well-nourished and does not show signs of acute malnutrition.

Question 629: Which of the following is a primary determinant of undernutrition?

A. Infections
B. Low birth weight
C. Less water intake
D. Low food intake (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Low food intake*** - **Low food intake**, meaning insufficient consumption of food, directly leads to a lack of essential nutrients and energy, which is the most fundamental cause of **undernutrition**. - This can be due to various factors like poverty, food insecurity, poor dietary choices, or conditions causing appetite loss, all converging on inadequate nutrient supply. *Low birth weight* - **Low birth weight** is often a *consequence* or a *marker* of undernutrition in the mother or during fetal development, rather than a primary determinant of subsequent undernutrition itself. - While it increases the risk of health problems, including future undernutrition, it's not the initial cause of nutrient deficiency. *Infections* - **Infections** can *exacerbate* undernutrition by increasing nutrient requirements, impairing nutrient absorption, and causing appetite loss. - However, infections are often risk factors or consequences of an already weakened nutritional state, rather than the initial, direct cause of a nutrient deficit. *Less water intake* - **Less water intake** primarily leads to **dehydration**, which affects overall health and nutrient transport but is not a direct cause of **undernutrition** (i.e., a lack of essential calories, proteins, vitamins, and minerals). - While hydration is crucial for health, it is distinct from the intake of macronutrients and micronutrients that define nutritional status.

Question 630: Which of the following is not a standard metric included in the Global Hunger Index?

A. Mortality of children < 5 years of age
B. Lack of emotional support in children < 5 years of age (Correct Answer)
C. Undernourishment
D. Child wasting (acute malnutrition) in children < 5 years of age

Explanation: ***Lack of emotional support in children < 5 years of age*** - This metric is not a standard component of the **Global Hunger Index (GHI)**. The GHI focuses on physical manifestations of hunger and malnutrition, not psychosocial factors. - While crucial for child development, **emotional support** does not directly measure food insecurity or nutritional status. *Mortality of children < 5 years of age* - This is a core indicator in the GHI, reflecting the **fatal impact of hunger and poor nutrition** on young children. - High rates of **child mortality** often reflect underlying issues of malnutrition, disease, and inadequate healthcare access. *Child wasting (acute malnutrition) in children < 5 years of age* - This is a core indicator in the GHI, measuring **weight-for-height** in children under 5 years. - **Wasting** reflects acute malnutrition and indicates recent weight loss or failure to gain weight, often due to acute food shortages or severe illness. *Undernourishment* - This is a core indicator in the GHI, reflecting the proportion of the population that is **calorically deficient**. - It is a direct measure of **food inadequacy** due to insufficient dietary energy intake at the population level.

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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