University | Q & A | 2026/2027 Edition (PDF)
1. Which of the following best defines nutrition?
A) The process of digesting food in the gastrointestinal tract
B) The study of nutrients and the processes by which they are used by the body
C) The act of consuming food to satisfy hunger
D) The metabolic breakdown of macronutrients for energy
Correct Answer: The study of nutrients and the processes by which they are used by the body
Rationale: Nutrition is defined as the scientific study of nutrients and the physiological processes by
which the body uses them for growth, maintenance, and repair. It encompasses digestion, absorption,
metabolism, and the role of nutrients in health. The other options describe narrower aspects of
nutrition rather than its comprehensive definition.
2. What are the six categories of nutrients required by the body?
A) Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and water
B) Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber, enzymes, and water
C) Sugars, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes
D) Macronutrients, micronutrients, fiber, water, enzymes, and hormones
Correct Answer: Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and water
Rationale: The six essential nutrient categories are carbohydrates, proteins, lipids (fats), vitamins,
minerals, and water. Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are macronutrients that provide energy, while
vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that regulate body processes. Water is essential for all cellular
functions.
3. Which nutrients are considered energy-yielding (provide calories)?
,A) Vitamins, minerals, and water
B) Carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids
C) Carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals
D) Proteins, minerals, and water
Correct Answer: Carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids
Rationale: Carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids are the energy-yielding nutrients that provide calories.
Carbohydrates and proteins provide 4 kilocalories per gram, while lipids (fats) provide 9 kilocalories per
gram. Vitamins, minerals, and water do not provide energy but are essential for metabolic processes.
4. What is the primary function of carbohydrates in the body?
A) To build and repair body tissues
B) To provide the body's main source of fuel and fiber
C) To regulate fluid balance and muscle function
D) To serve as catalysts for cellular processes
Correct Answer: To provide the body's main source of fuel and fiber
Rationale: Carbohydrates are a major source of fuel for the body and provide dietary fiber. They are
broken down into glucose, which is used for energy. Proteins are primarily for tissue building and repair,
minerals regulate fluid balance, and vitamins act as catalysts for cellular processes.
5. Which nutrient provides nitrogen and functions in structures throughout many body systems?
A) Carbohydrates
B) Lipids
C) Protein
D) Vitamins
Correct Answer: Protein
, Rationale: Proteins contain nitrogen, an element not found in carbohydrates and fats. They function in
structures throughout many body systems, including muscle, bone, skin, and enzymes. Proteins also
promote wound healing and immune function, making them essential for growth and repair.
6. What is the kilocalorie value of carbohydrates and proteins per gram?
A) 2 kcal/g
B) 4 kcal/g
C) 7 kcal/g
D) 9 kcal/g
Correct Answer: 4 kcal/g
Rationale: Both carbohydrates and proteins provide 4 kilocalories per gram. Lipids (fats) provide 9
kilocalories per gram, making them the most energy-dense macronutrient. Understanding these values
is fundamental to calculating energy intake and planning balanced diets.
7. Which nutrient provides the most calories per gram?
A) Carbohydrates
B) Proteins
C) Lipids (fats)
D) Vitamins
Correct Answer: Lipids (fats)
Rationale: Lipids provide 9 kilocalories per gram, more than twice the energy of carbohydrates and
proteins (4 kcal/g each). This makes fat the most calorie-dense macronutrient. Vitamins do not provide
calories. This knowledge is important for understanding energy balance and weight management.
8. What is the difference between essential and non-essential nutrients?
A) Essential nutrients are more important than non-essential nutrients