Supplement Safety & Efficacy Flashcards
7 cards from real IIN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning โ missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Supplement Safety & Efficacy flashcards as text
Which herbal supplement is known to induce cytochrome P450 enzymes and reduce the effectiveness of many medications, including oral contraceptives?
Answer: St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort is a potent inducer of CYP3A4 enzymes, accelerating the metabolism of many drugs and reducing their plasma levels.
A client taking warfarin (a blood thinner) wants to add a fish oil supplement. What is the primary safety concern?
Answer: Fish oil has antiplatelet effects that may increase bleeding risk
High-dose fish oil has antiplatelet properties that can act synergistically with warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding.
The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for a nutrient refers to:
Answer: The highest daily intake unlikely to cause adverse health effects in most people
The UL is the highest daily intake level at which no adverse effects are expected in almost all individuals in the general population.
Which fat-soluble vitamin carries the greatest risk of toxicity when taken in excess through supplementation?
Answer: Vitamin A (retinol)
Preformed vitamin A (retinol) accumulates in the liver and can cause serious toxicity including liver damage, bone loss, and teratogenic effects.
A supplement label states the product is 'Third-Party Tested.' What does this primarily assure consumers?
Answer: An independent organization verified the product's contents match the label
Third-party testing by organizations like NSF, USP, or ConsumerLab independently verifies that a supplement contains what the label claims and is free from harmful contaminants.
Iron supplements are best absorbed when taken:
Answer: On an empty stomach or with vitamin C
Non-heme iron absorption is enhanced by vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and is inhibited by calcium, tannins in tea, and phytates.
Which of the following is a regulatory body that offers a voluntary certification program to verify the quality and purity of dietary supplements in the United States?
Answer: NSF International
NSF International offers a voluntary certification program (NSF Certified for Sport and NSF/ANSI 173) that tests supplements for label accuracy and contaminants.