Clinical Nutritionist CCN Trivia 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which vitamin is sometimes called the 'sunshine vitamin' because the body synthesizes it upon skin exposure to UVB radiation?
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D (Correct answer)
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin E
Correct answer: Vitamin D
Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin when 7-dehydrocholesterol is converted to cholecalciferol (D3) upon UVB exposure.
Question 2: The Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) credential is awarded by which professional organization?
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB) (Correct answer)
- American Nutrition Association
- National Board for Certified Counselors
Correct answer: Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB)
The CCN credential is issued by the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB), which sets the exam and continuing education standards.
Question 3: Which macronutrient provides 9 kilocalories per gram?
- Carbohydrate
- Protein
- Fat (Correct answer)
- Alcohol
Correct answer: Fat
Dietary fat yields 9 kcal/g, more than double the 4 kcal/g provided by carbohydrates and protein.
Question 4: Pellagra is the classic deficiency disease associated with inadequate intake of which B vitamin?
- Thiamine (B1)
- Riboflavin (B2)
- Niacin (B3) (Correct answer)
- Pyridoxine (B6)
Correct answer: Niacin (B3)
Pellagra presents with the 4 Ds — dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and death — and results from niacin (B3) deficiency.
Question 5: Which organ is primarily responsible for producing bile salts used in fat digestion?
- Pancreas
- Stomach
- Liver (Correct answer)
- Small intestine
Correct answer: Liver
The liver synthesizes bile acids from cholesterol; bile is stored in the gallbladder and released into the duodenum to emulsify dietary fats.
Question 6: The glycemic index (GI) of a food is measured relative to which reference food assigned a GI of 100?
- White rice
- Sucrose
- Glucose (Correct answer)
- White bread
Correct answer: Glucose
The standard GI scale uses pure glucose as the reference with a value of 100, against which all other foods are compared.
Question 7: Which amino acid is considered the primary precursor for the neurotransmitter serotonin?
- Tyrosine
- Phenylalanine
- Tryptophan (Correct answer)
- Glutamine
Correct answer: Tryptophan
Tryptophan is converted to 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and then to serotonin via two enzymatic steps requiring vitamin B6 and other cofactors.
Which vitamin is sometimes called the 'sunshine vitamin' because the body synthesizes it upon skin exposure to UVB radiation?