Nutrition Fundamentals and Healthy Eating Practice
Exam Questions and Correct Answers – Updated 2026
(Original Practice Exam)
Subject: Nutrition
Subtopic: Foundations of Nutrition (Chapters 1, 2, and 18)
Question 1
A 45-year-old office worker has recently gained weight despite reporting no significant
increase in food intake. Which explanation best reflects the concept of energy balance?
A) Weight gain occurs only when carbohydrate intake increases.
B) Weight gain can occur when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure, even if food
choices have not changed substantially.
C) Weight gain is determined exclusively by fat intake.
D) Physical activity has little influence on body weight.
Correct Answer: B – Weight gain can occur when energy intake exceeds energy
expenditure, even if food choices have not changed substantially.
Rationale: Energy balance compares calories consumed with calories expended. If intake
consistently exceeds expenditure, excess energy is stored, primarily as body fat.
Carbohydrates and fats both contribute calories, and physical activity is a major determinant
of energy expenditure.
Question 2
Which of the following is classified as a macronutrient because it is required in relatively
large amounts and provides energy?
A) Vitamin C
B) Calcium
C) Protein
D) Iron
Correct Answer: C – Protein
,Rationale: Protein is one of the three energy-yielding macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate,
and fat). Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients because they are needed in much smaller
amounts and do not provide energy.
Question 3
A client wants to improve overall health by selecting foods with high nutrient density. Which
meal best meets this goal?
A) Fried chicken, French fries, and soda
B) Grilled salmon, brown rice, steamed broccoli, and fresh berries
C) Cheeseburger, potato chips, and milkshake
D) Sweetened breakfast cereal and pastries
Correct Answer: B – Grilled salmon, brown rice, steamed broccoli, and fresh berries
Rationale: Nutrient-dense foods provide high amounts of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other
beneficial nutrients relative to their calorie content. The other meals are comparatively
higher in saturated fat, added sugars, or sodium while offering fewer essential nutrients.
Question 4
A nutrition professional is explaining the role of the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Which
statement is most accurate?
A) DRIs are designed only for individuals with chronic diseases.
B) DRIs provide science-based nutrient intake recommendations for healthy people based on
age, sex, and life stage.
C) DRIs establish identical nutrient requirements for everyone.
D) DRIs apply only to vitamin supplementation.
Correct Answer: B – DRIs provide science-based nutrient intake recommendations for
healthy people based on age, sex, and life stage.
Rationale: DRIs include values such as the RDA, AI, UL, and EAR, which guide nutrient intake
for healthy populations. Requirements vary according to age, sex, and physiological status.
Question 5
,A consumer compares two breakfast cereals. One provides 8 g of fiber, minimal added sugar,
and several vitamins per serving, while the other contains high amounts of added sugar and
little fiber. Which concept is being applied?
A) Food insecurity
B) Nutrient density
C) Basal metabolic rate
D) Positive nitrogen balance
Correct Answer: B – Nutrient density
Rationale: Nutrient density refers to the amount of beneficial nutrients a food provides
relative to its calorie content. Foods high in fiber and essential vitamins with limited added
sugar are generally more nutrient-dense.
Question 6
An older adult reports frequently forgetting to drink water because they "rarely feel thirsty."
Which age-related physiological change best explains this?
A) Increased kidney function
B) Enhanced thirst sensation
C) Reduced thirst perception with aging
D) Increased metabolic rate
Correct Answer: C – Reduced thirst perception with aging
Rationale: Aging is commonly associated with a diminished thirst response, increasing the
risk of dehydration. This makes intentional fluid intake especially important for older adults.
Question 7
Which nutrient provides approximately 9 kcal per gram?
A) Carbohydrate
B) Protein
C) Fat
D) Water
Correct Answer: C – Fat
, Rationale: Fat provides about 9 kcal/g, whereas carbohydrates and proteins each provide
approximately 4 kcal/g. Water provides no calories.
Question 8
A Nutrition Facts label lists 15% Daily Value (DV) for calcium per serving. What does this
indicate?
A) The food supplies 15% of the recommended daily calcium intake based on the Daily Value
reference.
B) The food contains 15 mg of calcium.
C) Fifteen servings are required to meet daily calcium needs.
D) Calcium is the only nutrient present in the product.
Correct Answer: A – The food supplies 15% of the recommended daily calcium intake
based on the Daily Value reference.
Rationale: The % Daily Value helps consumers evaluate whether a serving of food is low or
high in a nutrient relative to a standard daily intake.
Question 9
Which essential nutrient is the body's preferred source of energy for most cells?
A) Protein
B) Carbohydrate
C) Vitamin D
D) Calcium
Correct Answer: B – Carbohydrate
Rationale: Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, the body's preferred energy source
for many tissues, particularly the brain under normal conditions.
Question 10
An older adult wishes to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Which recommendation is most
appropriate?
A) Eliminate all dairy products.
Exam Questions and Correct Answers – Updated 2026
(Original Practice Exam)
Subject: Nutrition
Subtopic: Foundations of Nutrition (Chapters 1, 2, and 18)
Question 1
A 45-year-old office worker has recently gained weight despite reporting no significant
increase in food intake. Which explanation best reflects the concept of energy balance?
A) Weight gain occurs only when carbohydrate intake increases.
B) Weight gain can occur when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure, even if food
choices have not changed substantially.
C) Weight gain is determined exclusively by fat intake.
D) Physical activity has little influence on body weight.
Correct Answer: B – Weight gain can occur when energy intake exceeds energy
expenditure, even if food choices have not changed substantially.
Rationale: Energy balance compares calories consumed with calories expended. If intake
consistently exceeds expenditure, excess energy is stored, primarily as body fat.
Carbohydrates and fats both contribute calories, and physical activity is a major determinant
of energy expenditure.
Question 2
Which of the following is classified as a macronutrient because it is required in relatively
large amounts and provides energy?
A) Vitamin C
B) Calcium
C) Protein
D) Iron
Correct Answer: C – Protein
,Rationale: Protein is one of the three energy-yielding macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate,
and fat). Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients because they are needed in much smaller
amounts and do not provide energy.
Question 3
A client wants to improve overall health by selecting foods with high nutrient density. Which
meal best meets this goal?
A) Fried chicken, French fries, and soda
B) Grilled salmon, brown rice, steamed broccoli, and fresh berries
C) Cheeseburger, potato chips, and milkshake
D) Sweetened breakfast cereal and pastries
Correct Answer: B – Grilled salmon, brown rice, steamed broccoli, and fresh berries
Rationale: Nutrient-dense foods provide high amounts of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other
beneficial nutrients relative to their calorie content. The other meals are comparatively
higher in saturated fat, added sugars, or sodium while offering fewer essential nutrients.
Question 4
A nutrition professional is explaining the role of the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Which
statement is most accurate?
A) DRIs are designed only for individuals with chronic diseases.
B) DRIs provide science-based nutrient intake recommendations for healthy people based on
age, sex, and life stage.
C) DRIs establish identical nutrient requirements for everyone.
D) DRIs apply only to vitamin supplementation.
Correct Answer: B – DRIs provide science-based nutrient intake recommendations for
healthy people based on age, sex, and life stage.
Rationale: DRIs include values such as the RDA, AI, UL, and EAR, which guide nutrient intake
for healthy populations. Requirements vary according to age, sex, and physiological status.
Question 5
,A consumer compares two breakfast cereals. One provides 8 g of fiber, minimal added sugar,
and several vitamins per serving, while the other contains high amounts of added sugar and
little fiber. Which concept is being applied?
A) Food insecurity
B) Nutrient density
C) Basal metabolic rate
D) Positive nitrogen balance
Correct Answer: B – Nutrient density
Rationale: Nutrient density refers to the amount of beneficial nutrients a food provides
relative to its calorie content. Foods high in fiber and essential vitamins with limited added
sugar are generally more nutrient-dense.
Question 6
An older adult reports frequently forgetting to drink water because they "rarely feel thirsty."
Which age-related physiological change best explains this?
A) Increased kidney function
B) Enhanced thirst sensation
C) Reduced thirst perception with aging
D) Increased metabolic rate
Correct Answer: C – Reduced thirst perception with aging
Rationale: Aging is commonly associated with a diminished thirst response, increasing the
risk of dehydration. This makes intentional fluid intake especially important for older adults.
Question 7
Which nutrient provides approximately 9 kcal per gram?
A) Carbohydrate
B) Protein
C) Fat
D) Water
Correct Answer: C – Fat
, Rationale: Fat provides about 9 kcal/g, whereas carbohydrates and proteins each provide
approximately 4 kcal/g. Water provides no calories.
Question 8
A Nutrition Facts label lists 15% Daily Value (DV) for calcium per serving. What does this
indicate?
A) The food supplies 15% of the recommended daily calcium intake based on the Daily Value
reference.
B) The food contains 15 mg of calcium.
C) Fifteen servings are required to meet daily calcium needs.
D) Calcium is the only nutrient present in the product.
Correct Answer: A – The food supplies 15% of the recommended daily calcium intake
based on the Daily Value reference.
Rationale: The % Daily Value helps consumers evaluate whether a serving of food is low or
high in a nutrient relative to a standard daily intake.
Question 9
Which essential nutrient is the body's preferred source of energy for most cells?
A) Protein
B) Carbohydrate
C) Vitamin D
D) Calcium
Correct Answer: B – Carbohydrate
Rationale: Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, the body's preferred energy source
for many tissues, particularly the brain under normal conditions.
Question 10
An older adult wishes to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Which recommendation is most
appropriate?
A) Eliminate all dairy products.
