NP Nutrition & Diet Therapy 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which macronutrient provides the most energy per gram?
- Carbohydrates
- Protein
- Fat (Correct answer)
- Fiber
Correct answer: Fat
Dietary fat provides 9 kcal per gram, compared to 4 kcal/g for carbohydrates and protein.
Question 2: A naturopathic physician recommends an elimination diet to a patient with suspected food sensitivities. Which food group is most commonly eliminated first?
- Red meat and pork
- Gluten-containing grains and dairy (Correct answer)
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Citrus fruits and berries
Correct answer: Gluten-containing grains and dairy
Gluten and dairy are the most common dietary antigens and are typically the first eliminated in standard elimination diet protocols.
Question 3: Which dietary pattern is most strongly supported by evidence for reducing cardiovascular disease risk?
- Carnivore diet
- Mediterranean diet (Correct answer)
- High-protein low-fat diet
- Raw food diet
Correct answer: Mediterranean diet
The Mediterranean diet has the strongest evidence base for reducing cardiovascular disease risk, supported by large clinical trials such as PREDIMED.
Question 4: A patient presents with fatigue, pallor, and glossitis. Lab work shows low serum vitamin B12. Which dietary source would best help replete B12 levels?
- Spinach and kale
- Clams and beef liver (Correct answer)
- Almonds and sunflower seeds
- Whole grains and legumes
Correct answer: Clams and beef liver
Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products, with clams and beef liver among the richest dietary sources.
Question 5: Which omega-3 fatty acid is considered most biologically active and is primarily found in fatty fish?
- Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
- Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (Correct answer)
- Linoleic acid (LA)
- Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
Correct answer: Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
EPA and DHA are the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids with direct anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits, found in fatty fish and fish oil.
Question 6: Which nutrient deficiency is most associated with impaired wound healing and compromised immune function?
- Calcium
- Zinc (Correct answer)
- Magnesium
- Potassium
Correct answer: Zinc
Zinc is essential for collagen synthesis, immune cell function, and inflammatory response, making deficiency a primary contributor to impaired wound healing.
Question 7: A naturopathic physician advises a vegan patient to monitor their intake of which nutrient to prevent megaloblastic anemia?
- Iron
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12 (Correct answer)
- Calcium
Correct answer: Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is absent from plant foods, and vegans must supplement or consume fortified foods to prevent megaloblastic anemia and neurological complications.
NP Nutrition & Diet Therapy 1
Which macronutrient provides the most energy per gram?