NTA Digestion & Gut Health 2

Question 1

What term describes an imbalance in the composition or function of the gut microbiome?

Accepted Answer

Dysbiosis

Answer

Dysbiosis refers to a disruption in the normal microbial community of the gut, characterized by reduced diversity or overgrowth of potentially harmful organisms.

Question 2

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate are produced when gut bacteria ferment which dietary component?

Accepted Answer

Prebiotic fiber

Answer

Beneficial colonic bacteria ferment non-digestible prebiotic fibers (e.g., inulin, pectin, resistant starch) to produce butyrate and other SCFAs that fuel colonocytes and support gut barrier integrity.

Question 3

Which type of intestinal cell produces mucus that forms the protective layer between gut contents and the epithelium?

Accepted Answer

Goblet cells

Answer

Goblet cells are specialized intestinal epithelial cells that secrete mucins, which form the mucus gel layer acting as a physical barrier against pathogens and antigens.

Question 4

In the context of 'leaky gut' (intestinal hyperpermeability), which protein structures are primarily disrupted?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions

Answer

Tight junctions (composed of claudins, occludins, and ZO proteins) seal the spaces between enterocytes; their disruption allows larger molecules and antigens to pass paracellularly into systemic circulation.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive colonization of bacteria in the small intestine beyond normal levels

Answer

SIBO is defined as an abnormal increase in bacteria (>10^3 CFU/mL) in the small intestine, typically microbes that normally reside in the colon, causing bloating, malabsorption, and altered motility.

(NTA) Nutritional Therapy Association Certification Practice Test

(NTA) Nutritional Therapy Association Certification Practice Test

NTA Digestion & Gut Health 2