Q: Which equation correctly converts dietary folate equivalent (DFE) from folic acid intake?

$$DFE = ext{micrograms of folic acid} \times 1.7$$

Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body for long periods?

Accepted Answer

They dissolve in water and are easily excreted in urine.

Question 2

A patient presents with bleeding gums, loose teeth, and pinpoint red spots on the skin. Which vitamin deficiency is most likely responsible, and what is the underlying mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin C deficiency; decreased collagen synthesis

Question 3

Which equation correctly converts dietary folate equivalent (DFE) from folic acid intake?

Accepted Answer

$$DFE = 	ext{micrograms of folic acid} 	imes 1.7$$

Question 4

Which B vitamin deficiency is most likely to occur in individuals who consume a diet consisting mainly of polished white rice, and what is the classic disease associated with this deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Thiamin (B1); Beriberi

Question 5

A person with a history of alcohol abuse develops confusion, memory loss, and a staggering gait. Which vitamin deficiency is most likely, and what is the syndrome called?

Accepted Answer

Thiamin deficiency; Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

Question 6

Which vitamin is destroyed by ultraviolet light and irradiation, and what is a practical implication for food storage?

Accepted Answer

Riboflavin; milk should be stored in opaque containers

Question 7

A patient on a vegan diet is at risk for which vitamin deficiency, and what is the primary reason?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12; it is only naturally supplied by animal foods

Question 8

Which of the following is a key role of vitamin B6 in the body?

Accepted Answer

Conversion of tryptophan to serotonin

Question 9

A pregnant woman is advised to consume adequate folate. What is the primary reason for this recommendation?

Accepted Answer

To prevent neural tube defects in the developing fetus

Question 10

Which vitamin can be synthesized in the body from the amino acid tryptophan?

Accepted Answer

Niacin (B3)

Question 11

A patient presents with anemia and nerve damage. Laboratory tests reveal a lack of intrinsic factor. Which vitamin deficiency is most likely, and what is the condition called?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12 deficiency; Pernicious anemia

Question 12

Which vitamin is most likely to be destroyed by heat and oxygen during food processing, and what is a recommendation to minimize loss?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin C; eat cut, processed, and stored fruits and vegetables within a week

Question 13

Which vitamin supplement has been shown to increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers?

Accepted Answer

Beta-carotene

Question 14

Which of the following is a practical guideline for choosing a vitamin supplement?

Accepted Answer

Look for third-party verification labels such as NSF or USP

Question 15

Which B vitamin is highly interactive with medications such as antacids, aspirin, and chemotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Folate

Question 16

A patient develops the 'niacin flush' after taking a supplement. What is the physiological basis for this side effect?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of capillaries in the skin

Question 17

Which vitamin is a key coenzyme for macronutrient metabolism and is found in almost all foods, making deficiency very rare?

Accepted Answer

Pantothenic acid

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a recommended strategy to prevent nutrient imbalances or toxicities from supplements?

Accepted Answer

Select supplements with more than 10 mg of iron for all adults

Question 19

Which vitamin deficiency is associated with the '4 Ds': diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia, and death?

Accepted Answer

Niacin (B3)

Question 20

Which B vitamin is necessary for the maintenance of normal blood glucose concentration and the synthesis of hemoglobin?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B6

Water-Soluble Vitamins: Functions, Deficiencies, and Food Sources

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