ACF Nutrition Principles 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which nutrient deficiency is most commonly associated with night blindness and dry eyes?
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Vitamin A deficiency (Correct answer)
- Zinc deficiency
- Vitamin B2 deficiency
Correct answer: Vitamin A deficiency
Vitamin A (retinol) is required for rhodopsin synthesis in rod cells; deficiency impairs dark adaptation, causing night blindness.
Question 2: In menu planning for a cardiac-health-focused menu, which cooking fat would be most appropriate to feature?
- Butter
- Lard
- Extra-virgin olive oil (Correct answer)
- Coconut oil
Correct answer: Extra-virgin olive oil
Extra-virgin olive oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols, both associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk.
Question 3: What is the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for dietary fat for adults?
- 10–25% of total calories
- 20–35% of total calories (Correct answer)
- 30–45% of total calories
- 5–15% of total calories
Correct answer: 20–35% of total calories
The AMDR for fat is 20–35% of total caloric intake for adults, balancing energy needs with cardiovascular health recommendations.
Question 4: Which enzyme in the stomach begins protein digestion by cleaving peptide bonds?
- Lipase
- Amylase
- Pepsin (Correct answer)
- Trypsin
Correct answer: Pepsin
Pepsin, activated from pepsinogen by stomach acid (HCl), is the primary gastric protease that begins breaking down dietary proteins.
Question 5: A customer requests a meal that is both high in iron and maximizes iron absorption. Which combination is best?
- Spinach salad with milk dressing and whole wheat croutons
- Lentil soup with a glass of orange juice (Correct answer)
- Red meat with tea and calcium supplement
- Fortified cereal with coffee
Correct answer: Lentil soup with a glass of orange juice
Vitamin C in orange juice enhances non-heme iron absorption from lentils by reducing ferric iron to the more absorbable ferrous form.
Question 6: What does the term 'empty calories' refer to in nutrition?
- Foods with zero kilocalories
- Foods that provide energy with few or no essential nutrients (Correct answer)
- Foods that cause rapid gastric emptying
- Foods with negative caloric effect
Correct answer: Foods that provide energy with few or no essential nutrients
Empty calories refers to foods or beverages that supply energy (primarily from added sugars and solid fats) but provide minimal vitamins, minerals, or fiber.
Question 7: Which food preparation technique is most effective for reducing acrylamide formation in starchy foods?
- Frying at higher temperatures for shorter times
- Toasting, roasting, or frying to a light golden color rather than deep brown (Correct answer)
- Soaking potatoes in saltwater before frying
- Adding baking soda to the cooking oil
Correct answer: Toasting, roasting, or frying to a light golden color rather than deep brown
Acrylamide forms via the Maillard reaction between asparagine and reducing sugars at high heat; stopping cooking at a lighter color significantly reduces acrylamide levels.
ACF Nutrition Principles 5
Which nutrient deficiency is most commonly associated with night blindness and dry eyes?