Question

1, A college student running low on money switches to eating only cheap instant noodles for a month. He develops sensitive gums, dry skin and dandruff. He is chronically tired and it seems to him that he gets every virus that passes through the dorm.  

a) Based on the knowledge you have acquired in this unit, what vitamin deficiency is the likely reason for his symptoms?

b) If he could add only a single extra food item to his diet what would you suggest and why (NOTE: no this cannot be a supplement - it must be a food)?

c) Is his current diet sustainable long-term - explain your answer.

2, Groups of people who are at risk for developing nutrient deficiencies and may benefit from taking vitamin supplements include  (Select All That Apply)

  

athletes who are engaged in competitive activities.

   

vegetarians

   

women who are pregnant or breastfeeding

   

people with low energy intakes, such as habitual dieters and the elderly.

3, Which of the following foods are rich in Vitamin C?

  

Brussels sprouts, broccoli, strawberries

   

Liver, yogurt, milk

   

Nuts, peanut butter, canned tuna fish

   

Whole grains, pork, fortified corn flakes

4, Which of the following are functions of the electrolytes? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY:

  

Maintain acid-base balance.

   

Assist in normal muscle contraction.

   

Maintain normal fluid balance.

   

Assist in nerve impulse transmission.

5, Which of the following are primary functions of potassium? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

  

Acts as the principal intracellular electrolyte

   

Increases blood pressure.

   

Muscle contraction and nerve function.

   

Helps retain sodium and increases calcium excretion.

6, Which of the following is/are among the general characteristics of the water-soluble vitamins? (Select All That Apply)

  

Toxic levels due to storage in the body are rarely found.

   

They are absorbed directly into the blood.

   

Excesses are eliminated by the kidneys.

   

they require bile acids to be absorbed.

7, The vitamin used to make the electron carrier NAD in energy metabolism is _______.

8, All of the following affect iron absorption and transport EXCEPT

  

Vitamin C

   

Hepcidin

   

Collagen

   

Ferritin

9, Which of the following is/are among the general characteristics of the fat-soluble vitamins?  (Select All That Apply)

  

Excesses are eliminated by the kidneys

   

Absorption occurs in the small intestine

   

They can be stored in the body

   

Excess ingestion can lead to toxicity due to storage in the body

10, With respect to vitamin K which of the following is true?

  

it is water soluble

   

vitamin K toxicity is a serious concern in the US population

   

RDA for vitamin K ranges from 90-120mg depending on gender

   

deficiency of vitamin K is common in the population

   

The correct answer should have said 90-120mcg

11, Which of the following describes the primary function(s) of vitamin A?

  

It supports reproduction and regulates growth.

   

It is an antioxidant.

   

It promotes bone health and vision.

   

All of the above.

Answer 1

1. a) Vitamin C deficiency is likely reason for the symptoms shown by student.

b) If a single extra food is needed to be added to diet, I would suggest adding oranges/ orange juice to his diet. As orange juice not only will result in addition of Vitamin C, but also will have a positive effect on skin, gums and hair issue the student is facing due to deficiency.

c) His current diet includes cheap instant noodles which isn't at all sustainable for long term. As the amount of vitamins, minerals,proteins and essential elements is very low in his current diet, prolonged use of such food can make the situations even worse leading to serious and permanent deformation of various body systems.

2. Groups of people who are at risk for developing nutrient deficiencies and may benefit from taking vitamin supplements include : vegetarians, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people with low energy intakes, such as habitual dieters and the elderly.

3. Following foods are rich in Vitamin C : Brussels sprouts, broccoli, strawberries, liver.

4. Functions of electrolyte : Maintain acid-base balance, Assist in normal muscle contraction, Maintain normal fluid balance, Assist in nerve impulse transmission.

5. Primary functions of potassium : acts as the principal intracellular electrolyte, muscle contraction and nerve function.

6. General characteristics of water soluble vitamins : excess are eliminated by kidneys

7. The vitamin used to make the electron carrier NAD in energy metabolism is Vitamin B3

8. All of the following affect iron absorption and transport EXCEPT : Vitamin C

9.. General characteristics of fat-soluble vitamins : Absorption occurs in the small intestine, They can be stored in the body, excess ingestion can lead to toxicity due to storage in the body

10. With respect to vitamin K which of the following is true : Deficiency of Vitamin K is common in populations.

11. Primary function of Vitamin A : All of the above.