Exam #1: Nutritional Supplements

Question 1

What is the definition of a nutritional supplement?

Answer 1

• Something need to complete a whole

- Make up for deficiency

Question 2

What are the four categories of supplements?

Answer 2

• Vitamin
• Amino acid
• Mineral
• Herb or botanical

Question 3

Are supplements regulated?

Answer 3

NO

*****No evidence/ efficacy required, no evidence of safety required, no label claim, no mechanism for rapid FDA intervention.

Question 4

What things do you need to check in regards to supplements?

Answer 4

1) USP
2) Artificial colors
3) Allergy causing ingredients and fillers
4) Form

Question 5

Why do doctors recommend supplements?

Answer 5

• Inflammation
• Oxidative stress
• Loss of organ reserve
• Hypomethylation
• Dysglycemia
• Meds that interfere with nutrient absorption

Question 6

What vitamin do PPIs inhibit the absorption of?

Answer 6

B12

Question 7

Should multivitamins be prescribed?

Answer 7

No

Question 8

How many pills need to be taken to actually get the intended effect of a multi-vitamin?

Answer 8

8 pills

Question 9

What are the major sources of K+?

Answer 9

Potatoes
Bananas
Oranges

Question 10

Why do we need to increase K+ intake?

Answer 10

• Decrease the Na+:K+ ratio

- Compensate for a high Na+ diet

Question 11

What is a major consequence of a low K+ diet?

Answer 11

HTN

Question 12

What are the symptoms of mg deficiency?

Answer 12

Constipation 
Restless leg syndrome
Muscle cramps 
HTN
Headaches 
Insomnia

Question 13

What form of Mg++ is the best supplement? Why?

Answer 13

Magnesium Acid Complexes (citrate and malitate) b/c best absorption

Question 14

What form of Mg supplement is most commonly sold?

Answer 14

Magnesium oxide

*****Note that less than 10% is absorbed, but it is most commonly sold

Question 15

What is the relationship between Mg++ and Ca++?

Answer 15

Mg++ deficiency allows too much Ca++ into cells, NOT bones

*****Want 1:1 ratio or 2:1 ratio of Ca++ to Mg++

Question 16

What patients should you consider Selenium supplementation in?

Answer 16

• Microcytic anemia
• Iron deficiency
• Hyperlipidemia
• Hypothyroid
• East of Mississippi w/out seafood
• Raw food/ vegan diet

Question 17

What is a good way to supplement Se?

Answer 17

Brazil nuts

Question 18

What are the important functions of zinc?

Answer 18

1) Immunity
2) SOD
3) Testosterone and estrogen production
4) Ca++ absorption

Question 19

What can chromium supplementation be useful for?

Answer 19

Improving blood sugar in DM patients

Question 20

What form or iron is best absorbed from iron supplements?

Answer 20

Ferrous iron

Question 21

In hypothyroid, what is a good source of iodine?

Answer 21

Iodized salt

Question 22

What is a major function of molybdenum?

Answer 22

Sulfur breakdown for those with Sulfur Metabolism Impairment

Question 23

What are the major symptoms of Sulfur Metabolism Impairment?

Answer 23

Fatigue

“Brain fog”

Question 24

What is the purpose of micellization?

Answer 24

Making the nutrient water soluble to increase absorption

Question 25

What is the purpose of liposomalization?

Answer 25

Allows nutrients pass through the digestive system undiminished

Question 26

What is the difference between Vitamin K1 and Vitamin K2?

Answer 26

K1= blood clotting

K2= gut health

Question 27

Aside from PPI use, what is another major source of B12 deficiency?

Answer 27

Anesthesia, especially in the elderly; causes confusion

Question 28

What is the relationship between probiotics and abx resistance?

Answer 28

Abx and probiotic use (4 hours apart) reduces antibiotic resistance

Question 29

What is the function of CoQ10?

Answer 29

Provides cells with ATP - can be heart healthy

Question 30

What can berberine be useful for?

Answer 30

Stabilization of blood sugar

Question 31

What supplement can be helpful for sleep?

Answer 31

Melatonin