Nutritionist MCQ Flashcards

Which vitamin acts as a coenzyme in transamination reactions involving amino acid metabolism?

Answer: Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), the active form of vitamin B6, is the essential coenzyme for all transamination reactions.

A client with chronic kidney disease should restrict intake of which mineral to prevent hyperkalemia?

Answer: Potassium

Impaired kidneys cannot excrete potassium efficiently, so dietary restriction is necessary to prevent dangerous hyperkalemia.

What glycemic index range classifies a food as 'low GI'?

Answer: 0–55

Foods with a glycemic index of 55 or below are classified as low GI, producing a slower rise in blood glucose.

Which form of iron is more bioavailable and found exclusively in animal foods?

Answer: Heme iron

Heme iron, derived from hemoglobin and myoglobin in animal tissues, is absorbed at a rate of 15–35%, far higher than non-heme iron.

During pregnancy, which neural tube defect is most directly associated with inadequate folate intake?

Answer: Anencephaly or spina bifida

Inadequate folate in early pregnancy increases the risk of both anencephaly and spina bifida, the two primary neural tube defects.

Which macronutrient has the highest thermic effect of food (TEF)?

Answer: Protein

Protein has a thermic effect of approximately 20–30%, significantly higher than carbohydrates (5–10%) or fat (0–3%).

A registered nutritionist counseling a vegan client should emphasize supplementation of which nutrient above all others?

Answer: Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products; vegans have virtually no dietary source and must supplement to prevent deficiency.