Medical Nutrition(Fat Soluble vitamins)

Question 1

What is nutrition?

Answer 1

The study of food and how it affects the body.

Question 2

What are the six essential nutrients?

Answer 2

Vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and water.

Question 2

What is the difference between macronutrients and micronutrients?

Answer 2

Macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbs) are needed in large amounts; micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) are needed in small amounts.

Question 2

What are the two types of carbohydrates?

Answer 2

Simple (sugars) and complex (starches, fiber).

Question 3

What is the glycemic index (GI)?

Answer 3

A ranking of carbs (0–100) based on how they affect blood glucose levels. High GI = rapid spikes; low GI = slower digestion.

Question 3

What is the recommended daily intake (RDA) of carbs for adults?

Answer 3

135 grams, making up 45–65% of total calories.

Question 4

What are complete proteins?

Answer 4

Proteins containing all essential amino acids (e.g., meat, dairy, quinoa, soy).

Question 5

Name two diseases caused by protein deficiency.

Answer 5

Kwashiorkor (protein deficiency with calorie sufficiency) and marasmus (calorie and protein deficiency).

Question 6

How many grams of protein does the FDA recommend daily for adults?

Answer 6

50 grams (part of a 2,000-calorie diet).

Question 7

What are the functions of dietary fats?

Answer 7

Energy storage, insulation, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), and cell membrane structure.

Question 8

What is atherosclerosis?

Answer 8

Plaque buildup in arteries due to abnormal lipid metabolism (e.g., high LDL cholesterol).

Question 9

Name two symptoms of fat deficiency.

Answer 9

Dry skin, hormonal imbalance, or vitamin deficiencies (e.g., night blindness from lack of vitamin A).

Question 10

What is energy balance?

Answer 10

When energy intake (calories consumed) equals energy expenditure (calories burned).

Question 11

What are the three components of total energy expenditure (TEE)?

Answer 11

Basal metabolic rate (BMR), physical activity (PA), and thermic effect of food (TEF).

Question 12

How does alcohol affect metabolism?

Answer 12

It prioritizes alcohol metabolism over fat breakdown, slowing fat metabolism and potentially increasing BMR temporarily.

Question 13

What is vitamin A deficiency associated with?

Answer 13

Night blindness, xerophthalmia, Bitot’s spots, and keratomalacia.

Question 14

How is vitamin D synthesized?

Answer 14

UV-B rays convert 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin to cholecalciferol (D3).

Question 15

What is the primary role of vitamin E?

Answer 15

Acts as a potent antioxidant, protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage.

Question 16

Which vitamin is essential for blood clotting?

Answer 16

Vitamin K (activates clotting factors II, VII, IX, X).

Question 17

What is hypervitaminosis A?

Answer 17

Vitamin A toxicity, causing symptoms like liver damage and bone pain.

Question 18

What condition results from vitamin D deficiency in children?

Answer 18

Rickets (softening and weakening of bones).

Question 19

What population is at risk for vitamin E deficiency?

Answer 19

Premature infants, people with fat malabsorption, or genetic mutations affecting tocopherol transport.

Question 20

What is BMI, and what are its limitations?

Answer 20

Body Mass Index = weight(kg)/height(m)². Limitations: Doesn’t account for muscle mass or body composition.

Question 20

What are “apple” and “pear” body shapes?

Answer 20

Apple = central obesity (higher health risk); pear = fat stored in hips/thighs (lower risk).

Question 21

What is leptin’s role in appetite regulation?

Answer 21

A hormone secreted by fat cells that suppresses appetite when fat stores are sufficient.

Question 22

What is cachexia?

Answer 22

A wasting syndrome caused by severe protein and calorie deficiency, often seen in late-stage cancer or chronic illness.

Question 23

How can you reduce saturated fat intake?

Answer 23

Replace butter with plant oils, choose lean meats, and opt for low-fat dairy (e.g., skim milk).

Question 24

How does fatty liver disease develop?

Answer 24

Excess fat accumulates in the liver due to obesity, insulin resistance, or dyslipidemia, impairing liver function.

Question 25

What is hyperlipoproteinemia?

Answer 25

A group of disorders with elevated blood lipoproteins (e.g., high LDL/VLDL), increasing atherosclerosis risk.

Question 26

How does vitamin K aid blood clotting?

Answer 26

It enables gamma-carboxylation of clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X), allowing them to bind calcium and form clots.

Question 26

What distinguishes marasmus from kwashiorkor?

Answer 26

Marasmus: severe calorie/protein deficiency (wasting); Kwashiorkor: protein deficiency despite adequate calories (edema, puffy abdomen).

Question 26

How does vitamin E protect cells?

Answer 26

As an antioxidant, it quenches free radicals and prevents lipid peroxidation in cell membranes.

Question 26

Why does alcohol slow fat metabolism?

Answer 26

The liver prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over fats, delaying fat breakdown and promoting fat storage.

Question 26

What is gluconeogenesis?

Answer 26

The synthesis of glucose from non-carb sources (e.g., amino acids) during fasting/starvation.

Question 26

How can you reduce saturated fat intake?

Answer 26

Replace butter with plant oils, choose lean meats, and opt for low-fat dairy (e.g., skim milk).

Question 26

How does fiber affect carbohydrate absorption?

Answer 26

Slows digestion of carbs, reducing glycemic response and promoting satiety.

Question 26

Why do pregnant women need extra protein?

Answer 26

For fetal growth, maternal tissue expansion, and supporting pregnancy-related changes (≥60g/day recommended).

Question 27

Why are breastfed infants at risk for vitamin D deficiency?

Answer 27

Breast milk is low in vitamin D; supplements or sunlight exposure (20 mins/day) are needed.

Question 27

What increases BMR during pregnancy?

Answer 27

Fetal growth, placental metabolism, and maternal tissue changes raise energy needs (~300 kcal extra in 2nd/3rd trimesters).

Question 27

How does fiber affect carbohydrate absorption?

Answer 27

Slows digestion of carbs, reducing glycemic response and promoting satiety.

Question 27

Why does fat deficiency cause vitamin deficiencies?

Answer 27

Fats are required to absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K); low fat intake reduces their bioavailability.

Question 27

What are high-thermic-effect foods for weight management?

Answer 27

Protein-rich foods (lean meat, legumes) and fibrous carbs (vegetables, whole grains)—they burn more calories during digestion.

Question 28

What enhances iron absorption?

Answer 28

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) converts ferric iron (Fe³⁺) to more absorbable ferrous iron (Fe²⁺).

Question 29

How to estimate daily calorie needs?

Answer 29

Calculate BMR (e.g., Mifflin-St Jeor equation) + activity factor + thermic effect of food (TEF = 10% of intake).

Question 30

Why is waist circumference a better health indicator than BMI for some?

Answer 30

It reflects visceral fat (central obesity), which is linked to higher metabolic risks (e.g., diabetes, CVD).

Question 30

Name three Ghanaian high-protein seeds.

Answer 30

Agushi (melon seed), groundnut (peanut), wrewre (musk melon seed).

Question 31

What are common dietary fats in Ghana?

Answer 31

Coconut oil, palm oil, shea butter.

Question 32

Which Ghanaian staple has a high glycemic index?

Answer 32

White rice (processed) has a higher GI than fiber-rich staples like yam or plantain.

Question 33

What are symptoms of vitamin D toxicity?

Answer 33

Nausea, kidney stones, hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium), and bone pain.

Question 33

Why is excess protein harmful?

Answer 33

Strains kidneys, may cause nutrient imbalances, and excess calories are stored as fat.

Question 33

What causes hypervitaminosis A?

Answer 33

Overconsumption of preformed vitamin A (retinol) from supplements or animal liver.

Question 34

How does leptin regulate appetite?

Answer 34

Secreted by fat cells, it signals the brain to suppress hunger when energy stores are sufficient.

Question 35

Why does nicotine increase BMR?

Answer 35

It stimulates adrenaline release, raising heart rate and energy expenditure temporarily.

Question 36

How does aging affect BMR?

Answer 36

BMR decreases with age due to loss of lean muscle mass and hormonal changes.