Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains the naming of vitamins (A, B1, B2, C, D, E, K, etc.)?

Accepted Answer

Vitamins were generally named in the order they were discovered, but some letters & numbers were discarded or reassigned over time.

Question 2

True or False? Vitamins are essential in the diet but are only needed in small amounts compared to macronutrients.

Accepted Answer

True.

Question 3

Antioxidants work by _____________ free radicals.

Accepted Answer

Stabilizing.

Question 4

Which of the following statements is true regarding antioxidants and oxidation?

Accepted Answer

Phytochemicals can function as antioxidants, helping prevent damage to cell membranes by free radicals.

Question 5

A spinach salad contains 4,000 μg of β-carotene (a provitamin A), 30% of which is absorbed in the small intestine. Of this β-carotene that is absorbed, 10% is converted to retinol, the active form of vitamin A that the body can use. A small serving of beef liver contains 4,000 μg of retinol, 80% of which is absorbed by the small intestine. Which of the following statements is true?

Accepted Answer

The spinach salad contains more β-carotene, but the beef liver will provide more useable vitamin A.

Question 6

What is the difference between provitamins and preformed vitamins?

Accepted Answer

Preformed vitamins are already in usable form; provitamins need to be converted into an active form.

Question 7

Why are water-soluble vitamins more easily absorbed than fat-soluble vitamins?

Accepted Answer

Water-soluble vitamins are readily absorbed directly into the bloodstream, while fat-soluble vitamins require micelles & chylomicrons to be absorbed.

Question 8

Which of the following foods are a good source of preformed vitamin A (e.g. retinol)?

Accepted Answer

Liver, milk, eggs.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a function of vitamin D?

Accepted Answer

Acting as an antioxidant.

Question 10

Who is most likely at risk of a vitamin D deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Dave, a vegan who lives in a city that receives very little sunlight.

Question 11

Which of the following processes requires vitamin E?

Accepted Answer

All of the above.

Question 12

People taking anticoagulants should carefully monitor their ___________ intake, because it could decrease the effectiveness of the medication.

Accepted Answer

Vitamin K.

Question 13

If your doctor has directed you to take vitamin K supplements, why might it be a bad idea to also take vitamin E supplements?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin E is an anticoagulant, so it could inhibit the blood coagulation function of vitamin K.

Question 14

Generally, it is hard to consume toxic quantities of vitamins without supplements. But eating which of the following organs is most likely to result in hypervitaminosis A (toxic levels of vitamin A)?

Accepted Answer

Carnivore liver.

Question 15

There are 4 different fat-soluble vitamins and _____ different water-soluble vitamins in total. While excess fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in the body, excess water-soluble vitamins are mostly __________.

Accepted Answer

Nine; excreted in urine.

Question 16

Which of the following statements about B vitamins is true?

Accepted Answer

They are actually distinct vitamins, but they all form coenzymes in the body & many have similar functions.

Question 17

Maria is pregnant and her doctor has recommended she takes a folic acid supplement. Why?

Accepted Answer

Folic acid can significantly reduce the likelihood of neural tube defects in babies.

Question 18

Which of the following statements is true regarding vitamin C?

Accepted Answer

Eating a wide variety of fruit & vegetables will ensure you meet your daily vitamin C requirements.

Question 19

A vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency may cause ___________, while a vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency may cause ____________.

Accepted Answer

Pellagra; macrocytic anemia.

Question 20

Which of the following vitamins are most likely to build up to the point of toxicity with excessive intake?

Accepted Answer

Vitamins A, D, E, K.

Nutrients Essential to Key Body Functions: Vitamins

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