Nutritional Science & Dietetics Flashcards

Which dietary pattern is most strongly supported by evidence for reducing cardiovascular disease risk?

Answer: Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, fish, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, has the strongest evidence base for reducing CVD morbidity and mortality.

What is the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) used for in dietary planning?

Answer: Estimating the intake that meets the needs of 50% of a healthy population

The EAR is the daily intake estimated to meet the requirements of half of all healthy individuals in a group and is used to assess population adequacy.

A client with lactose intolerance asks about calcium sources. Which plant-based food provides the most bioavailable calcium?

Answer: Fortified soy milk

Fortified soy milk provides calcium that is highly bioavailable (absorption ~30%), comparable to cow's milk, unlike spinach and beet greens which contain oxalates that inhibit calcium absorption.

Which enzyme, secreted by the pancreas, is responsible for breaking down dietary triglycerides in the small intestine?

Answer: Pancreatic lipase

Pancreatic lipase hydrolyzes triglycerides into free fatty acids and monoglycerides in the small intestine, a process facilitated by bile salts.

Which condition is most associated with excess vitamin A intake during pregnancy?

Answer: Teratogenicity and fetal malformations

Preformed vitamin A (retinol) is teratogenic at high doses, causing craniofacial, cardiac, and CNS malformations; pregnant women should avoid supplements exceeding the UL.

The Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) category that represents the highest average daily intake unlikely to cause harm in most individuals is called the:

Answer: Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL)

The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is the maximum daily intake unlikely to cause adverse health effects in almost all individuals in the general population.

In sports nutrition, which strategy best describes 'carbohydrate loading' for endurance athletes?

Answer: Increasing carbohydrate intake to maximize muscle glycogen stores before an event

Carbohydrate loading involves tapering exercise while increasing carbohydrate intake (8–12 g/kg/day) in the days before endurance events to maximize muscle glycogen storage.