Nutritions MCQ for RRB & SSC and other Competitive exams
11
Which of the following is the correct statement about balanced diet?
✓ Answer:
B
A diet that contains all nutrients in adequate proportions
A Balanced Diet is one that contains all macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) along with water and fibre in the right proportions to meet the body's needs for growth, energy, repair, and disease prevention. ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) provides recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for Indians.
12
How many essential amino acids are there in the human body?
✓ Answer:
C
9
Out of 20 amino acids, 9 are essential amino acids - meaning they cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from food. They are: Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine. The remaining 11 are non-essential (body can make them).
13
Which mineral is essential for strong bones and teeth?
✓ Answer:
C
Calcium
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. About 99% of calcium is stored in bones and teeth, giving them strength and hardness. The remaining 1% is in the blood and is vital for muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. Vitamin D is required for calcium absorption. Deficiency leads to Osteoporosis and Tetany.
14
Zinc deficiency in the body causes which of the following conditions?
✓ Answer:
C
Impaired growth and delayed wound healing
Zinc is essential for growth, immune function, wound healing, enzyme activity, and DNA synthesis. Zinc deficiency causes stunted growth (dwarfism), delayed sexual maturation, poor wound healing, loss of taste and smell (ageusia/anosmia), and impaired immunity. It is especially important in children. Rich sources: meat, shellfish, legumes, seeds, nuts.
15
Which of the following is a complete protein source?
✓ Answer:
C
Egg
A complete protein contains all 9 essential amino acids in adequate proportions. Eggs are considered the gold standard of complete proteins (Biological Value = 100). Other complete proteins include meat, fish, milk, and soy. Rice, wheat, and lentils are incomplete proteins - they lack one or more essential amino acids.
16
Which of the following vitamins is also known as Retinol?
✓ Answer:
B
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is also called Retinol because of its role in the retina of the eye. It is essential for vision (especially night vision), immune function, skin health, and growth. It is a fat-soluble vitamin found in liver, eggs, dairy, and as beta-carotene (provitamin A) in orange/yellow vegetables and leafy greens.
17
Which of the following is the best dietary source of Omega-3 fatty acids?
✓ Answer:
C
Fatty fish (salmon sardines)
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids that the body cannot synthesize. The best sources are fatty fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, and tuna. Plant sources include flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. Omega-3s reduce inflammation, lower triglycerides, and support heart and brain health. Deficiency increases risk of cardiovascular disease.
18
Which vitamin is produced by the human skin when exposed to sunlight?
✓ Answer:
D
Vitamin D
Vitamin D (Calciferol) is synthesized in the skin when UV-B rays from sunlight convert 7-dehydrocholesterol into Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol). Vitamin D is essential for calcium and phosphorus absorption, bone health, and immune function. Deficiency causes Rickets in children and Osteomalacia in adults.
19
Which of the following is the best source of Vitamin B12?
✓ Answer:
C
Animal products (meat eggs dairy)
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) is found almost exclusively in animal-derived foods - meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. It is NOT found in plant foods (making strict vegans at high risk of deficiency). Deficiency causes Megaloblastic Anaemia and neurological damage. Vegans must take B12 supplements or eat B12-fortified foods.
20
Which of the following is a deficiency disease caused by lack of Vitamin A in children?
✓ Answer:
B
Xerophthalmia
Xerophthalmia is a progressive eye disease caused by Vitamin A deficiency. It starts with night blindness, progresses to Bitot's spots (white foamy patches on conjunctiva), then corneal ulceration (keratomalacia), and finally irreversible blindness. Xerophthalmia is the leading cause of preventable childhood blindness globally.