CNS Dietary Supplements and Nutraceuticals 3

Question 1

Which selenium species has the highest bioavailability and is the preferred form for supplementation aimed at increasing glutathione peroxidase activity?

Accepted Answer

Selenomethionine

Answer

Sodium selenate

Answer

Sodium selenite

Answer

Selenium dioxide

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for selenium in adults and the primary toxicity concern at doses above the UL?

Accepted Answer

UL = 400 mcg/day; primary concern is selenosis (hair loss, nail brittleness, neurological effects)

Answer

UL = 200 mcg/day; primary concern is cardiomyopathy

Answer

UL = 600 mcg/day; primary concern is hepatotoxicity

Answer

UL = 100 mcg/day; primary concern is thyroid suppression

Question 3

A patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis asks about iodine supplementation. Which recommendation is most clinically appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Iodine supplementation above the RDA should be approached cautiously as excess iodine can trigger autoimmune thyroid flares

Answer

Supplementing with 1,000–3,000 mcg iodine daily is recommended to support thyroid hormone synthesis

Answer

Iodine has no effect on autoimmune thyroid disease and is safe at any dose

Answer

All patients with hypothyroidism require iodine supplementation regardless of etiology

Question 4

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is classified as both a water-soluble and fat-soluble antioxidant. Which clinical application has the strongest evidence base for ALA supplementation?

Accepted Answer

Improving symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Answer

Reducing LDL cholesterol in primary hyperlipidemia

Answer

Treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in obese patients

Answer

Reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients

Question 5

Which statement most accurately describes the regulatory classification of dietary supplements under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994?

Accepted Answer

Supplements are regulated as food, placing the burden of proving unsafe products on the FDA after they are marketed

Answer

Manufacturers must prove efficacy and safety to the FDA before marketing a new supplement

Answer

The FDA must approve label claims on all supplements before they reach consumers

Answer

Supplements with established ULs are subject to prescription-only status

Question 6

Which third-party certification program is specifically recognized for verifying that supplement products contain ingredients listed on the label and are free from harmful contaminants, particularly relevant for athletes subject to anti-doping rules?

Accepted Answer

NSF Certified for Sport

Answer

Non-GMO Project Verified

Answer

USDA Organic

Answer

Fair Trade Certified

Question 7

A patient is considering DHEA supplementation to address age-related hormonal decline. Which consideration is most important to assess before recommending this supplement?

Accepted Answer

DHEA is a hormone precursor that can convert to androgens and estrogens, contraindicating its use in hormone-sensitive conditions

Answer

DHEA is a water-soluble hormone precursor with minimal androgenic activity

Answer

DHEA supplementation is universally safe because it is endogenously produced

Answer

DHEA has no interaction potential with pharmaceutical medications