CNS Dietary Supplements and Nutraceuticals 2

Question 1

A patient wants to supplement with curcumin for its anti-inflammatory properties. Which formulation strategy most effectively overcomes curcumin's poor oral bioavailability?

Accepted Answer

Combining curcumin with piperine (black pepper extract) or using a phospholipid complex

Answer

Taking curcumin on an empty stomach to maximize gastric absorption

Answer

Increasing the dose to compensate for low absorption

Answer

Taking curcumin with a high-fiber meal to slow gastric emptying

Question 2

When supplementing with zinc at therapeutic doses (>25 mg/day) for an extended period, which mineral interaction warrants routine monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Copper

Answer

Selenium

Answer

Manganese

Answer

Molybdenum

Question 3

Which form of vitamin B12 is considered most bioactive for patients with impaired methylation or elevated homocysteine?

Accepted Answer

Methylcobalamin

Answer

Cyanocobalamin

Answer

Hydroxocobalamin

Answer

Adenosylcobalamin

Question 4

Berberine is an alkaloid studied for metabolic health. Which mechanism best explains its glucose-lowering effects?

Accepted Answer

Berberine activates AMPK, improving insulin sensitivity and reducing hepatic gluconeogenesis

Answer

Berberine acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist at the pancreatic beta cell

Answer

Berberine inhibits intestinal alpha-glucosidase exclusively

Answer

Berberine increases pancreatic insulin secretion via sulfonylurea-like activity

Question 5

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a precursor to which endogenous antioxidant, making it clinically relevant in oxidative stress conditions?

Accepted Answer

Glutathione

Answer

Superoxide dismutase

Answer

Catalase

Answer

Thioredoxin

Question 6

Which adaptogenic herb has the strongest clinical evidence for reducing cortisol levels and improving perceived stress in healthy adults?

Accepted Answer

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Answer

Rhodiola rosea

Answer

Panax ginseng

Answer

Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng)

Question 7

A patient taking warfarin asks about supplementing with vitamin K2 (menaquinone). What is the most accurate guidance?

Accepted Answer

Consistent, low-dose vitamin K2 supplementation can improve INR stability, but requires dose monitoring

Answer

Vitamin K2 does not affect INR and can be taken freely alongside warfarin

Answer

Vitamin K2 should be completely avoided in all patients on anticoagulant therapy

Answer

Vitamin K2 has anticoagulant properties that complement warfarin's mechanism