SCI 131 Introduction to Nutrition
Complete Final Exam (Qns & Ans)
2025
**Question 1*
A 58‐year‐old patient with metabolic syndrome is being
counseled on dietary modifications. Which nutritional component
characteristic of the Mediterranean diet is most strongly
associated with cardioprotective effects?
A. High intake of simple sugars
B. Emphasis on saturated fats
C. Increased consumption of monounsaturated fats
D. Exclusive reliance on low‐fat dairy products
**Correct ANS:* C
©2025
,**Rationale:* The Mediterranean diet is rich in monounsaturated
fats (found primarily in olive oil, nuts, and avocados), which have
been shown to improve lipid profiles and reduce the risk of
cardiovascular disease. Simple sugars and saturated fats are less
beneficial, and while low‐fat dairy plays a role, it is not the
primary cardioprotective component.
---
**Question 2*
In the context of advanced nutritional biochemistry, which
vitamin serves as a coenzyme for the pyruvate dehydrogenase
complex, making it essential for the conversion of pyruvate to
acetyl‐CoA?
A. Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
B. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
C. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
D. Vitamin D
**Correct ANS:* A
**Rationale:* Thiamine (vitamin B1) is required by the pyruvate
dehydrogenase complex to catalyze the conversion of pyruvate to
acetyl‐CoA, a critical step linking glycolysis to the Krebs cycle.
This function is essential for energy production and is often
emphasized in nutritional interventions.
©2025
,---
**Question 3*
A patient with malabsorption due to celiac disease is at risk for
deficiency of fat‑soluble vitamins. Which deficiency is most
likely to affect blood coagulation?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin E
D. Vitamin K
**Correct ANS:* D
**Rationale:* Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of clotting
factors, and its malabsorption can lead to bleeding disorders.
While vitamins A, D, and E are important, they do not play a
direct role in coagulation.
---
**Question 4*
©2025
, In evaluating the anti‐inflammatory potential of dietary fats,
which polyunsaturated fatty acid is most known for its positive
impact on reducing inflammatory markers?
A. Arachidonic acid
B. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
C. Palmitic acid
D. Linoleic acid
**Correct ANS:* B
**Rationale:* Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega‑3 fatty
acid known for its anti‐inflammatory properties, making it
beneficial in managing chronic inflammatory conditions.
Arachidonic acid (an omega‑6) tends to be pro‑inflammatory,
while palmitic acid and linoleic acid do not provide the same
anti‑inflammatory effects.
---
**Question 5*
When assessing long‑term nutritional status in a patient, which
laboratory marker is traditionally used as an indicator of chronic
protein–energy malnutrition?
A. Serum albumin
B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
©2025
Complete Final Exam (Qns & Ans)
2025
**Question 1*
A 58‐year‐old patient with metabolic syndrome is being
counseled on dietary modifications. Which nutritional component
characteristic of the Mediterranean diet is most strongly
associated with cardioprotective effects?
A. High intake of simple sugars
B. Emphasis on saturated fats
C. Increased consumption of monounsaturated fats
D. Exclusive reliance on low‐fat dairy products
**Correct ANS:* C
©2025
,**Rationale:* The Mediterranean diet is rich in monounsaturated
fats (found primarily in olive oil, nuts, and avocados), which have
been shown to improve lipid profiles and reduce the risk of
cardiovascular disease. Simple sugars and saturated fats are less
beneficial, and while low‐fat dairy plays a role, it is not the
primary cardioprotective component.
---
**Question 2*
In the context of advanced nutritional biochemistry, which
vitamin serves as a coenzyme for the pyruvate dehydrogenase
complex, making it essential for the conversion of pyruvate to
acetyl‐CoA?
A. Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
B. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
C. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
D. Vitamin D
**Correct ANS:* A
**Rationale:* Thiamine (vitamin B1) is required by the pyruvate
dehydrogenase complex to catalyze the conversion of pyruvate to
acetyl‐CoA, a critical step linking glycolysis to the Krebs cycle.
This function is essential for energy production and is often
emphasized in nutritional interventions.
©2025
,---
**Question 3*
A patient with malabsorption due to celiac disease is at risk for
deficiency of fat‑soluble vitamins. Which deficiency is most
likely to affect blood coagulation?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin E
D. Vitamin K
**Correct ANS:* D
**Rationale:* Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of clotting
factors, and its malabsorption can lead to bleeding disorders.
While vitamins A, D, and E are important, they do not play a
direct role in coagulation.
---
**Question 4*
©2025
, In evaluating the anti‐inflammatory potential of dietary fats,
which polyunsaturated fatty acid is most known for its positive
impact on reducing inflammatory markers?
A. Arachidonic acid
B. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
C. Palmitic acid
D. Linoleic acid
**Correct ANS:* B
**Rationale:* Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega‑3 fatty
acid known for its anti‐inflammatory properties, making it
beneficial in managing chronic inflammatory conditions.
Arachidonic acid (an omega‑6) tends to be pro‑inflammatory,
while palmitic acid and linoleic acid do not provide the same
anti‑inflammatory effects.
---
**Question 5*
When assessing long‑term nutritional status in a patient, which
laboratory marker is traditionally used as an indicator of chronic
protein–energy malnutrition?
A. Serum albumin
B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
©2025
