CNS CNS Functional Nutrition 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Glucosinolates / isothiocyanates

Answer

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

Question 2

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?

Accepted Answer

Omega-6 to omega-3 ratio

Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Magnesium

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Red blood cell (RBC) magnesium

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

NF-κB

Answer

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.

CNS - Certified Nutrition Specialist Exam Practice Test

CNS - Certified Nutrition Specialist Exam Practice Test

CNS CNS Functional Nutrition 2