NTP Chronic Disease & Nutrition 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which dietary pattern is most strongly associated with reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes?
- High-protein, low-fat diet
- Mediterranean diet rich in whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats (Correct answer)
- Low-carbohydrate, high-saturated-fat diet
- Calorie-restricted diet based on refined carbohydrates
Correct answer: Mediterranean diet rich in whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats
The Mediterranean diet is consistently linked to reduced type 2 diabetes risk due to its anti-inflammatory fats, fiber, and phytonutrient content.
Question 2: Elevated homocysteine levels are most directly associated with deficiency of which nutrients?
- Vitamins A, D, and E
- Vitamins B6, B12, and folate (Correct answer)
- Calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus
- Zinc, copper, and selenium
Correct answer: Vitamins B6, B12, and folate
B6, B12, and folate are essential cofactors for homocysteine remethylation and transsulfuration pathways.
Question 3: In the context of chronic disease, advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are best described as:
- Beneficial compounds formed during fermentation
- Harmful compounds formed when sugars bond to proteins or fats under heat (Correct answer)
- Anti-inflammatory molecules produced by gut bacteria
- Essential fatty acid derivatives that regulate inflammation
Correct answer: Harmful compounds formed when sugars bond to proteins or fats under heat
AGEs form through non-enzymatic glycation reactions and promote oxidative stress and inflammation, accelerating chronic disease progression.
Question 4: Which type of fat is most strongly linked to increased LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risk?
- Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs)
- Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
- Trans fatty acids (Correct answer)
- Short-chain saturated fatty acids from dairy
Correct answer: Trans fatty acids
Trans fatty acids raise LDL and lower HDL cholesterol, making them the most atherogenic dietary fat.
Question 5: A client with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) would most benefit from reducing intake of which specific sugar?
- Lactose
- Fructose (Correct answer)
- Glucose
- Maltose
Correct answer: Fructose
Fructose is predominantly metabolized by the liver and directly promotes de novo lipogenesis, driving NAFLD progression.
Question 6: Which mineral deficiency is most commonly linked to impaired insulin signaling and glucose dysregulation?
- Calcium
- Sodium
- Chromium (Correct answer)
- Iodine
Correct answer: Chromium
Chromium potentiates insulin action by enhancing glucose transporter activity and is frequently deficient in insulin-resistant individuals.
Question 7: The NTP approach to chronic disease emphasizes addressing the foundations of health, which include all of the following EXCEPT:
- Digestion and elimination
- Blood sugar regulation
- Pharmaceutical supplementation as primary intervention (Correct answer)
- Hydration and mineral balance
Correct answer: Pharmaceutical supplementation as primary intervention
NTP foundations focus on diet, digestion, blood sugar, hydration, minerals, and fatty acids — not pharmaceuticals as a primary tool.
NTP Chronic Disease & Nutrition 2
Which dietary pattern is most strongly associated with reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes?