IIN Macronutrient & Micronutrient Science 2

Question 1

Which fatty acid is classified as an omega-3 and must be obtained through diet because the human body cannot synthesize it?

Accepted Answer

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)

Answer

ALA is an essential omega-3 fatty acid that humans cannot synthesize and must consume through foods like flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts.

Question 2

A client who avoids all animal products is at highest risk for deficiency in which micronutrient?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12

Answer

Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal-derived foods, making vegans highly susceptible to deficiency without supplementation.

Question 3

During carbohydrate digestion, which enzyme in saliva begins breaking down starch into shorter polysaccharides?

Accepted Answer

Amylase

Answer

Salivary amylase (ptyalin) initiates starch digestion in the mouth by cleaving alpha-1,4-glycosidic bonds.

Question 4

Which mineral is a central component of the hemoglobin molecule and is critical for oxygen transport?

Accepted Answer

Iron

Answer

Iron is the mineral at the core of heme in hemoglobin, enabling red blood cells to bind and transport oxygen throughout the body.

Question 5

Which macronutrient yields approximately 9 kilocalories per gram, the highest of all macronutrients?

Accepted Answer

Fat

Answer

Dietary fat provides 9 kcal/g, more than double the 4 kcal/g provided by carbohydrates and protein.

(IIN) Institute for Integrative Nutrition Certification Practice Test