NTP Detoxification & Metabolic Health Flashcards

Which condition describes impaired Phase II detoxification relative to Phase I, leading to accumulation of reactive intermediates?

Answer: Pathological detoxification imbalance (Phase I/II mismatch)

When Phase I produces reactive intermediates faster than Phase II can conjugate them, oxidative stress and toxin accumulation occur, a state called Phase I/II mismatch.

The kidneys support detoxification primarily by excreting water-soluble compounds via which process?

Answer: Glomerular filtration and tubular secretion

The kidneys filter blood through the glomerulus and secrete water-soluble metabolites into urine, completing the excretion of many Phase II conjugates.

Which biomarker is most commonly used to assess metabolic syndrome in a clinical setting?

Answer: Waist circumference combined with glucose, triglycerides, HDL, and blood pressure

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed using a cluster of waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL, blood pressure, and fasting glucose per ATP III or IDF criteria.

Which dietary pattern is most strongly associated with improving metabolic health and reducing visceral adiposity?

Answer: Whole-food, low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory diet rich in fiber and healthy fats

A whole-food, low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory dietary pattern reduces insulin resistance, visceral fat, and systemic inflammation, all core drivers of metabolic dysfunction.

Heavy metal toxicity can impair detoxification capacity by depleting which essential mineral used in multiple detox enzymes?

Answer: Zinc

Heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury displace zinc from enzyme binding sites, impairing the function of zinc-dependent detox and antioxidant enzymes.

Which supplement is commonly used in nutritional therapy to support bile flow and fat-soluble toxin excretion during a detox protocol?

Answer: Milk thistle (silymarin) and bile salts

Milk thistle protects and regenerates liver cells while bile salts support fat emulsification and the biliary excretion of fat-soluble toxins.