CNS Functional Nutrition Flashcards

Which class of compounds found in cruciferous vegetables supports Phase II liver detoxification by inducing glutathione-S-transferase?

Answer: Glucosinolates / isothiocyanates

Glucosinolates are hydrolyzed to isothiocyanates (e.g., sulforaphane) that induce Nrf2-mediated Phase II detoxification enzymes including glutathione-S-transferase.

Which fatty acid ratio is a key functional nutrition target for reducing chronic disease risk, often requiring increased omega-3 and decreased omega-6 intake?

Answer: Omega-6 to omega-3 ratio

Western diets typically have omega-6:omega-3 ratios of 15:1 to 20:1; functional nutrition targets a ratio closer to 4:1 or lower to reduce pro-inflammatory eicosanoid production.

In functional nutrition, the HPA axis dysregulation associated with chronic stress most directly affects which nutrient's urinary excretion rate?

Answer: Magnesium

Elevated cortisol from HPA axis activation increases renal magnesium excretion, contributing to deficiency that further impairs stress adaptation.

Which test is considered the gold standard for assessing whole-body magnesium status in functional nutrition practice?

Answer: Red blood cell (RBC) magnesium

RBC magnesium reflects intracellular stores more accurately than serum magnesium, which remains normal until deficiency is severe due to tight homeostatic regulation.

Polyphenols such as resveratrol and quercetin exert anti-inflammatory effects primarily by inhibiting which transcription factor?

Answer: NF-κB

NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) is the master regulator of inflammatory gene expression; polyphenols inhibit its activation pathway.

In a functional nutrition assessment, an organic acids test (OAT) finding of elevated 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) indicates increased levels of what?

Answer: Oxidative DNA damage

8-OHdG is a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species, used in functional assessments to guide antioxidant nutrient interventions.