NAFC Nutrition Certification QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
RATED A+
What is the GI's system's primary role and why is it important? - This system's role is the
absorption of nutrients in food and the consumption of food is the most abundant source of
energy for the body.
What is the primary function of the circulatory system? - Circulation of oxygen throughout the
body including the GI tract which is the powerhouse of energy absorption.
What role does the respiratory system play in nutrition? - supplies oxygen to the circulatory
system.
What role does the lymphatic system play in nutrition? - supports elimination of waste products
in the body.
What role does the endocrine system play in nutrition? - Regulation of hunger
appetite & digestion
Entry of nutrients into cells (insulin)
Mobilization of energy (glucagon, Lipase, Gh-growth Hormone, cortisol) Anabolic (muscle
building or healing)
Catabolic (muscle breakdown)
What is the most important nutrient and why? - Oxygen. Oxygen is NOT stored in the body and
must be continuously supplied by respiration. Oxygen deprivation is the at-root cause of all
cancer.
What is the second most important nutrient, why? - Water, the body is composed of 60-80%
water
Name 6 functions of water in the body - -primary component of cells, tissues, & organs
-primary transport media for all substances within the body
-helps to maintain pH, Body temp, metabolism, respiration, circulation, excretion & neurological
functions
- serves as a lubricant
-forms the fluids surrounding joints
-serves as base for saliva
Do most people get enough water on a regular basis? How can you tell? - no, the first symptoms
are fatigue, fluid retention, constipation, dry skin, dark urine, light-headedness (especially when
standing from sitting), dry mouth, chills, hunger
What are carbohydrates? - this macronutrient is the best source of energy for the body
Name 5 healthy sources of carbs - fresh fruit, vegetables, oats, wild rice, quinoa
, What are proteins? - this macronutrient is the second most plentiful compound that makes up our
body. It serves as the building blocks for most tissues. It is the material that comprises enzymes.
Name 5 healthy sources of protein - spirulina, wild caught fish, eggs, peas, quinoa, almonds, free
range chicken
What are fats? - this macronutrient is responsible for storing energy in the body, it also makes up
many membranes and insulates organs.
Name 5 healthy sources of fats - avocado, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, olives, olive oil
What are the primary functions of vitamins? - These micronutrients cannot be produced by the
body either at all or in sufficient quantities. Failure to absorb , ingest, or assimilate these
nutrients results in malfunction of metabolic pathways, creating a disease state.
Name 5 vitamins and their functions - A : Vision/ corneal health, D: bone growth, nervous
system, E: immune & cardiovascular health, B1: energy metabolism, B12: cell renewal
What are the primary functions of minerals? - these micronutrients maintain proper balance of
water in the body, bone health, stabilization of protein structures, oxygen transport, enzyme
formation.
Name 5 minerals and their functions - sodium, chloride & potassium maintain proper balance of
water in the body, Iron transports O2 throughout the body, Zinc helps blood to clot, Copper helps
to form enzymes
What are the primary functions of enzymes? - these serve as catalysts for many chemical
reactions in the body. They are present in raw foods & heat liable. 3 main types : digestive,
metabolic, & food
Why are enzymes important? - Without these, chemical reactions would take much longer, and
life would not be possible.
What are phytonutrients? - little is understood about these antioxidants, stimulators of detox
enzymes, stimulators/modulators of the immune system, modulators of hormones,
antimicrobials, gene activators
Why are phytonutrients important? - these colorful compounds in fresh fruits and vegetables
have health benefiting effects that reach far beyond what is currently understood. They protect
and stimulate the immune system as well as promote healing.
What is the caloric value of a gram of carbohydrate? - 4 calories
What is the caloric value of a gram of protein? - 4 calories
RATED A+
What is the GI's system's primary role and why is it important? - This system's role is the
absorption of nutrients in food and the consumption of food is the most abundant source of
energy for the body.
What is the primary function of the circulatory system? - Circulation of oxygen throughout the
body including the GI tract which is the powerhouse of energy absorption.
What role does the respiratory system play in nutrition? - supplies oxygen to the circulatory
system.
What role does the lymphatic system play in nutrition? - supports elimination of waste products
in the body.
What role does the endocrine system play in nutrition? - Regulation of hunger
appetite & digestion
Entry of nutrients into cells (insulin)
Mobilization of energy (glucagon, Lipase, Gh-growth Hormone, cortisol) Anabolic (muscle
building or healing)
Catabolic (muscle breakdown)
What is the most important nutrient and why? - Oxygen. Oxygen is NOT stored in the body and
must be continuously supplied by respiration. Oxygen deprivation is the at-root cause of all
cancer.
What is the second most important nutrient, why? - Water, the body is composed of 60-80%
water
Name 6 functions of water in the body - -primary component of cells, tissues, & organs
-primary transport media for all substances within the body
-helps to maintain pH, Body temp, metabolism, respiration, circulation, excretion & neurological
functions
- serves as a lubricant
-forms the fluids surrounding joints
-serves as base for saliva
Do most people get enough water on a regular basis? How can you tell? - no, the first symptoms
are fatigue, fluid retention, constipation, dry skin, dark urine, light-headedness (especially when
standing from sitting), dry mouth, chills, hunger
What are carbohydrates? - this macronutrient is the best source of energy for the body
Name 5 healthy sources of carbs - fresh fruit, vegetables, oats, wild rice, quinoa
, What are proteins? - this macronutrient is the second most plentiful compound that makes up our
body. It serves as the building blocks for most tissues. It is the material that comprises enzymes.
Name 5 healthy sources of protein - spirulina, wild caught fish, eggs, peas, quinoa, almonds, free
range chicken
What are fats? - this macronutrient is responsible for storing energy in the body, it also makes up
many membranes and insulates organs.
Name 5 healthy sources of fats - avocado, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, olives, olive oil
What are the primary functions of vitamins? - These micronutrients cannot be produced by the
body either at all or in sufficient quantities. Failure to absorb , ingest, or assimilate these
nutrients results in malfunction of metabolic pathways, creating a disease state.
Name 5 vitamins and their functions - A : Vision/ corneal health, D: bone growth, nervous
system, E: immune & cardiovascular health, B1: energy metabolism, B12: cell renewal
What are the primary functions of minerals? - these micronutrients maintain proper balance of
water in the body, bone health, stabilization of protein structures, oxygen transport, enzyme
formation.
Name 5 minerals and their functions - sodium, chloride & potassium maintain proper balance of
water in the body, Iron transports O2 throughout the body, Zinc helps blood to clot, Copper helps
to form enzymes
What are the primary functions of enzymes? - these serve as catalysts for many chemical
reactions in the body. They are present in raw foods & heat liable. 3 main types : digestive,
metabolic, & food
Why are enzymes important? - Without these, chemical reactions would take much longer, and
life would not be possible.
What are phytonutrients? - little is understood about these antioxidants, stimulators of detox
enzymes, stimulators/modulators of the immune system, modulators of hormones,
antimicrobials, gene activators
Why are phytonutrients important? - these colorful compounds in fresh fruits and vegetables
have health benefiting effects that reach far beyond what is currently understood. They protect
and stimulate the immune system as well as promote healing.
What is the caloric value of a gram of carbohydrate? - 4 calories
What is the caloric value of a gram of protein? - 4 calories
