NTP Dietary Supplementation & Herbal Support 2

Question 1

Which form of magnesium is most bioavailable and least likely to cause loose stools at therapeutic doses?

Accepted Answer

Magnesium glycinate

Answer

Magnesium glycinate is chelated to glycine, improving absorption and minimizing the osmotic laxative effect seen with less bioavailable forms.

Question 2

A client taking a blood thinner asks about herbal support. Which herb poses the greatest risk of potentiating anticoagulant therapy?

Accepted Answer

Ginkgo biloba

Answer

Ginkgo biloba has significant platelet-inhibiting activity and can potentiate anticoagulants like warfarin, increasing bleeding risk.

Question 3

Berberine exerts its primary blood-sugar-regulating effect through which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Activating AMPK to improve insulin sensitivity

Answer

Berberine activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a cellular energy sensor that improves insulin sensitivity and reduces hepatic glucose output.

Question 4

Which fat-soluble vitamin can accumulate to toxic levels when supplemented in excess without cofactor balance?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin A (retinol)

Answer

Preformed vitamin A (retinol) is stored in the liver and is the fat-soluble vitamin most associated with toxicity at supplemental doses exceeding 10,000 IU/day chronically.

Question 5

An NTP recommends adaptogenic herbs to modulate the HPA axis. Which herb is classified as a primary adaptogen AND has the most clinical evidence for reducing cortisol?

Accepted Answer

Ashwagandha (KSM-66)

Answer

Ashwagandha, especially the KSM-66 extract, has the strongest clinical trial evidence for significantly reducing serum cortisol and perceived stress scores.

(NTP) Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Practice Test

(NTP) Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Practice Test

NTP Dietary Supplementation & Herbal Support 2