Clinical Nutrition Quiz

1. EFA stands for essential fatty acids.

True

False

EFA stands for essential fatty acids. These are types of fats that the body cannot synthesize on its own and must be obtained through the diet. Essential fatty acids are crucial for numerous bodily functions, including building cell membranes, producing hormone-like substances, and supporting brain health and development. The two primary categories of EFAs are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Sources of EFAs include fish, flaxseed oil, chia seeds, walnuts, and certain vegetable oils. Ensuring adequate intake of EFAs is vital for maintaining overall health and preventing various chronic diseases.

Explanation

EFA stands for essential fatty acids. These are types of fats that the body cannot synthesize on its own and must be obtained through the diet. Essential fatty acids are crucial for numerous bodily functions, including building cell membranes, producing hormone-like substances, and supporting brain health and development. The two primary categories of EFAs are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Sources of EFAs include fish, flaxseed oil, chia seeds, walnuts, and certain vegetable oils. Ensuring adequate intake of EFAs is vital for maintaining overall health and preventing various chronic diseases.

2. Which type of fat has a reputation for being a 'bad' fat?

Saturated fat

Unsaturated fat

Trans fat

Omega-3 fat

Saturated fat has a reputation for being a 'bad' fat due to its association with increased levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the blood. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Saturated fats are commonly found in animal products such as meat, butter, and cheese, as well as some plant oils like coconut oil and palm oil. Trans fats are also considered harmful and are even more detrimental to heart health. In contrast, unsaturated fats, including omega-3 fats, are beneficial and support overall cardiovascular health.

Explanation

Saturated fat has a reputation for being a 'bad' fat due to its association with increased levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol in the blood. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Saturated fats are commonly found in animal products such as meat, butter, and cheese, as well as some plant oils like coconut oil and palm oil. Trans fats are also considered harmful and are even more detrimental to heart health. In contrast, unsaturated fats, including omega-3 fats, are beneficial and support overall cardiovascular health.

3. Schizophrenia tends to appear in members of the same family.

True

False

Schizophrenia tends to appear in members of the same family, indicating a genetic component to the disorder. Studies have shown that individuals with a family history of schizophrenia are at a higher risk of developing the condition themselves. For example, if one identical twin has schizophrenia, the other twin has a significantly higher chance of also having the disorder, compared to the general population. This familial pattern suggests that genetics play a significant role in the development of schizophrenia, although environmental factors and other variables also contribute to its onset. Understanding the hereditary aspect is important for early detection and intervention.

Explanation

Schizophrenia tends to appear in members of the same family, indicating a genetic component to the disorder. Studies have shown that individuals with a family history of schizophrenia are at a higher risk of developing the condition themselves. For example, if one identical twin has schizophrenia, the other twin has a significantly higher chance of also having the disorder, compared to the general population. This familial pattern suggests that genetics play a significant role in the development of schizophrenia, although environmental factors and other variables also contribute to its onset. Understanding the hereditary aspect is important for early detection and intervention.

4. What is RAS p21?

A gene

A protein

A vitamin

RAS p21 is a protein involved in cellular signal transduction. It plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth, differentiation, and survival. The RAS p21 protein is encoded by the RAS gene, which is part of a larger family of genes involved in controlling cell division. Mutations in the RAS gene can lead to the production of an abnormal RAS p21 protein, which is often associated with the development of cancers. This protein acts as a molecular switch, turning on or off signaling pathways that control various cellular processes. Understanding RAS p21's function is important in the study of cancer biology and therapeutic development.

Explanation

RAS p21 is a protein involved in cellular signal transduction. It plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth, differentiation, and survival. The RAS p21 protein is encoded by the RAS gene, which is part of a larger family of genes involved in controlling cell division. Mutations in the RAS gene can lead to the production of an abnormal RAS p21 protein, which is often associated with the development of cancers. This protein acts as a molecular switch, turning on or off signaling pathways that control various cellular processes. Understanding RAS p21's function is important in the study of cancer biology and therapeutic development.

5. What is the most concentrated source of LNA commonly available?

Canola oil

Mayonnaise

Flaxseed oil

Olive oil

Flaxseed oil is the most concentrated source of LNA (alpha-linolenic acid), an essential omega-3 fatty acid. This oil provides a high amount of LNA compared to other sources like canola oil, mayonnaise, or olive oil, which contain lesser amounts. LNA is important for maintaining heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain function. Incorporating flaxseed oil into your diet can significantly boost your intake of this essential nutrient.

Explanation

Flaxseed oil is the most concentrated source of LNA (alpha-linolenic acid), an essential omega-3 fatty acid. This oil provides a high amount of LNA compared to other sources like canola oil, mayonnaise, or olive oil, which contain lesser amounts. LNA is important for maintaining heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain function. Incorporating flaxseed oil into your diet can significantly boost your intake of this essential nutrient.

6. DHEA is an essential fatty acid.

True

False

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is not an essential fatty acid; it is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. DHEA serves as a precursor to male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. It plays a role in a variety of bodily functions, such as immune response, metabolism, and bone health. Essential fatty acids, on the other hand, are types of fats that the body cannot produce and must be obtained through the diet. Examples of essential fatty acids include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Therefore, DHEA and essential fatty acids are distinct in their functions and roles in the body.

Explanation

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is not an essential fatty acid; it is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. DHEA serves as a precursor to male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. It plays a role in a variety of bodily functions, such as immune response, metabolism, and bone health. Essential fatty acids, on the other hand, are types of fats that the body cannot produce and must be obtained through the diet. Examples of essential fatty acids include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Therefore, DHEA and essential fatty acids are distinct in their functions and roles in the body.

7. Where is Purslane native to?

China

Europe

Australia

India

Purslane is native to India. It is a succulent plant that has spread to many parts of the world, including China, Europe, and Australia. Known for its high nutritional value, purslane is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. It has been used in traditional medicine and cuisine for centuries. Purslane is often consumed as a leafy vegetable in salads and soups. Its ability to thrive in various climates has contributed to its widespread presence across the globe.

Explanation

Purslane is native to India. It is a succulent plant that has spread to many parts of the world, including China, Europe, and Australia. Known for its high nutritional value, purslane is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. It has been used in traditional medicine and cuisine for centuries. Purslane is often consumed as a leafy vegetable in salads and soups. Its ability to thrive in various climates has contributed to its widespread presence across the globe.

8. Which of the following can result from an imbalance of omega-3 to omega-6? (Select 2)

Tuberculosis

Diabetes

Gastro-enteritis

Depression

An imbalance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids can contribute to various health issues, including diabetes and depression. Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and play a critical role in brain health. In contrast, excessive omega-6 fatty acids, often found in processed foods and vegetable oils, can promote inflammation if not balanced with omega-3s. This imbalance can lead to chronic inflammation, increasing the risk of developing insulin resistance and diabetes. Additionally, a lack of omega-3s is associated with mood disorders such as depression. Managing the balance between these essential fatty acids is crucial for maintaining overall health.

Explanation

An imbalance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids can contribute to various health issues, including diabetes and depression. Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and play a critical role in brain health. In contrast, excessive omega-6 fatty acids, often found in processed foods and vegetable oils, can promote inflammation if not balanced with omega-3s. This imbalance can lead to chronic inflammation, increasing the risk of developing insulin resistance and diabetes. Additionally, a lack of omega-3s is associated with mood disorders such as depression. Managing the balance between these essential fatty acids is crucial for maintaining overall health.

Submit

9. Alpha-linoleic acid is commonly abbreviated to ALA.

True

False

Alpha-linoleic acid is commonly abbreviated to ALA. It is an essential omega-3 fatty acid that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. ALA is found in various plant sources, such as flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds. The body cannot produce ALA on its own, so it must be obtained through the diet. ALA is important for heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain function. It can also be converted in the body into other omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, although this conversion process is relatively inefficient. Ensuring sufficient intake of ALA is vital for maintaining optimal health.

Explanation

Alpha-linoleic acid is commonly abbreviated to ALA. It is an essential omega-3 fatty acid that plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health. ALA is found in various plant sources, such as flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds. The body cannot produce ALA on its own, so it must be obtained through the diet. ALA is important for heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain function. It can also be converted in the body into other omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, although this conversion process is relatively inefficient. Ensuring sufficient intake of ALA is vital for maintaining optimal health.

10. Hydrodegenation is the name given to the process where a liquid, unsaturated fat is combined with hydrogen to form a solid, saturated one.

True

False

The correct term for the process where a liquid, unsaturated fat is combined with hydrogen to form a solid, saturated fat is "hydrogenation," not "hydrodegenation." Hydrogenation involves adding hydrogen atoms to the double bonds of unsaturated fats, converting them into saturated fats. This process increases the shelf life and stability of the fats, making them solid at room temperature. Hydrogenation is commonly used in the food industry to produce margarine and shortening. However, this process can also create trans fats, which are associated with various health risks, including heart disease.

Explanation

The correct term for the process where a liquid, unsaturated fat is combined with hydrogen to form a solid, saturated fat is "hydrogenation," not "hydrodegenation." Hydrogenation involves adding hydrogen atoms to the double bonds of unsaturated fats, converting them into saturated fats. This process increases the shelf life and stability of the fats, making them solid at room temperature. Hydrogenation is commonly used in the food industry to produce margarine and shortening. However, this process can also create trans fats, which are associated with various health risks, including heart disease.