Nutrition & Health Flashcards

Which fatty acid is classified as an omega-3 and is primarily found in fatty fish?

Answer: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid found in high concentrations in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel.

What is the primary function of dietary fiber in the human digestive system?

Answer: Promoting bowel regularity and feeding gut microbiota

Dietary fiber promotes bowel regularity, feeds beneficial gut bacteria, and helps regulate blood glucose and cholesterol levels.

Which vitamin deficiency is most directly associated with impaired night vision?

Answer: Vitamin A

Vitamin A (retinol) is essential for producing rhodopsin in rod photoreceptors; deficiency leads to night blindness.

In food science, the Maillard reaction contributes to flavor development but may also produce which potentially harmful compound?

Answer: Acrylamide

High-temperature Maillard reactions in starchy foods can produce acrylamide, a compound of concern due to its potential carcinogenicity.

The Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) term 'Tolerable Upper Intake Level' (UL) refers to what?

Answer: The highest daily intake unlikely to cause adverse health effects

The UL is the highest average daily intake level likely to pose no risk of adverse effects for almost all individuals in the general population.

Which mineral plays a critical role in oxygen transport by being a central component of hemoglobin?

Answer: Iron

Iron is the central atom in the heme group of hemoglobin and myoglobin, enabling oxygen binding and transport throughout the body.

When formulating a low-sodium product for health-conscious consumers, which ingredient is commonly used as a partial salt replacer?

Answer: Potassium chloride

Potassium chloride (KCl) is widely used to partially replace sodium chloride in reduced-sodium products, though it can impart a bitter or metallic off-note at high levels.