Superfoods Risk Assessment & Management 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which superfood is most associated with the risk of vitamin A toxicity when consumed in high amounts?
- Spinach
- Liver (organ meat) (Correct answer)
- Blueberries
- Quinoa
Correct answer: Liver (organ meat)
Liver is extremely rich in preformed vitamin A (retinol), and frequent high consumption can lead to hypervitaminosis A.
Question 2: A person with a shellfish allergy is at elevated risk for adverse reactions to which superfood?
- Chia seeds
- Spirulina
- Glucosamine from shellfish (Correct answer)
- Flaxseeds
Correct answer: Glucosamine from shellfish
Glucosamine supplements are often derived from shellfish shells and can trigger allergic reactions in people with shellfish allergies.
Question 3: What risk does excessive consumption of Brazil nuts pose due to their superfood nutrient profile?
- Iron overload
- Selenium toxicity (selenosis) (Correct answer)
- Zinc deficiency
- Copper toxicity
Correct answer: Selenium toxicity (selenosis)
Brazil nuts are extraordinarily high in selenium, and eating more than a few per day can cause selenosis with symptoms like hair loss and neurological issues.
Question 4: Which risk assessment consideration is most important before recommending high-dose omega-3 fish oil supplements?
- History of lactose intolerance
- History of bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use (Correct answer)
- Gluten sensitivity
- Caffeine sensitivity
Correct answer: History of bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use
High-dose omega-3s have blood-thinning effects that can be hazardous for those with bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulant medications.
Question 5: What is the primary contamination risk associated with wild-harvested superfoods like goji berries from certain regions?
- Natural toxin production
- Heavy metal contamination from soil (Correct answer)
- Prion disease transmission
- Antibiotic residues
Correct answer: Heavy metal contamination from soil
Wild-harvested and imported superfoods like goji berries may accumulate heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, or cadmium from contaminated soils.
Question 6: Why is chlorella supplementation a specific risk for individuals taking warfarin?
- Chlorella contains high vitamin K which antagonizes warfarin (Correct answer)
- Chlorella increases warfarin absorption
- Chlorella depletes vitamin C which warfarin needs
- Chlorella causes kidney damage reducing warfarin clearance
Correct answer: Chlorella contains high vitamin K which antagonizes warfarin
Chlorella is rich in vitamin K, which directly counteracts the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and can lead to blood clotting complications.
Question 7: Which risk is most relevant when assessing cacao/dark chocolate as a superfood for children?
- High vitamin D toxicity risk
- Caffeine and theobromine sensitivity causing agitation or sleep issues (Correct answer)
- Excess fiber causing intestinal blockage
- Oxalate-driven tooth decay
Correct answer: Caffeine and theobromine sensitivity causing agitation or sleep issues
Cacao contains caffeine and theobromine, stimulants that children metabolize more slowly, increasing risk of agitation, elevated heart rate, and disrupted sleep.
Superfoods Risk Assessment & Management 3
Which superfood is most associated with the risk of vitamin A toxicity when consumed in high amounts?