& Questions with Comprehensive Answers and Explanations --- CAT 2 EXAMINATION SECTION A Question 1: Mention any five functions of proteins in the body. (5 Mark
& Questions with Comprehensive Answers and Explanations --- CAT 2 EXAMINATION SECTION A Question 1: Mention any five functions of proteins in the body. (5 Marks) Answer: - Structural Function - Building and maintaining body tissues (muscles, bones, skin, hair) - Enzymatic Function - Acting as catalysts in biochemical reactions - Transport Function - Carrying substances in blood (e.g., hemoglobin transports oxygen) - Defense Function - Forming antibodies for immune protection - Energy Function - Providing 4 calories per gram when carbohydrates are insufficient Explanation: Proteins are essential macronutrients with diverse roles. Their primary function is structural (building tissues), but they also serve as enzymes, transporters, immune defenders, and backup energy sources. --- Question 2: Describe the vicious cycle of illness and malnutrition. (5 Marks) Answer: The vicious cycle of illness and malnutrition is a self-perpetuating process where: - Malnutrition leads to illness - Poor nutrition weakens immune system, making the body susceptible to infections - Illness worsens malnutrition - Disease reduces appetite, increases nutrient losses, and impairs absorption - Continuous cycle - Each episode of illness further depletes nutritional status - Progressive deterioration - Without intervention, both nutritional and health status continue declining - Increased mortality risk - Severe cases can lead to death Question 3: Describe the ABCD of Nutrition assessment. (8 Marks) Answer: The ABCD of nutrition assessment represents four comprehensive evaluation methods: A - Anthropometric Assessment (2 marks) - Measurements of body size, weight, and proportions - Includes height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, skinfold thickness - Indicates nutritional status over time B - Biochemical Assessment (2 marks) - Laboratory tests of blood, urine, and tissue samples - Measures nutrient levels, enzyme activities, metabolic products - Detects subclinical deficiencies before physical signs appear C - Clinical Assessment (2 marks) - Physical examination for signs and symptoms of malnutrition - Includes assessment of hair, skin, eyes, mouth, organs - Identifies advanced nutritional deficiencies D - Dietary Assessment (2 marks) - Evaluation of food intake patterns and dietary habits - Methods include 24-hour recall, food frequency questionnaires, food records - Assesses adequacy of nutrient intake Question 4: Describe three complications that a woman may face during pregnancy. (6 Marks) Answer: - Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (2 marks) High blood sugar levels developing during pregnancy - Can lead to large birth weight babies and delivery complications - Increases risk of type 2 diabetes later in life - Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension/Pre-eclampsia (2 marks) High blood pressure with protein in urine - Can cause seizures, organ damage, and maternal/fetal death - Requires immediate medical intervention - Iron Deficiency Anemia (2 marks) Common due to increased iron needs during pregnancy - Causes fatigue, weakness, and increased infection risk - Can lead to premature birth and low birth weight Question 5: Explain the importance of pre-conception nutrition. (6 Marks) Answer: Pre-conception nutrition is crucial for: - Optimizing maternal health - Ensures mother enters pregnancy in optimal nutritional state - Preventing birth defects - Adequate folate prevents neural tube defects like spina bifida - Supporting fertility - Proper nutrition improves conception chances for both partners - Building nutrient stores - Establishes adequate reserves of vitamins, minerals, and energy - Reducing pregnancy complications - Decreases risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension - Promoting healthy fetal development - Provides optimal environment for embryonic growth Question 6: Describe how proper nutrition before pregnancy prepares the mother for a smooth pregnancy. (5 Marks) Answer: - Establishes adequate nutrient stores - Builds reserves of iron, calcium, and vitamins needed during pregnancy - Optimizes body weight - Achieving healthy BMI reduces pregnancy complications - Strengthens immune system - Good nutrition enhances resistance to infections - Prepares reproductive system - Essential nutrients support ovulation and implantation - Reduces morning sickness - Adequate B-vitamin status may minimize nausea and vomiting SECTION B Question 1: Distinguish between essential and non-essential amino acids and give two examples in each. (6 Marks) Answer: Essential Amino Acids (3 marks): - Cannot be synthesized by the human body - Must be obtained from dietary sources - Examples: Lysine, Methionine Non-Essential Amino Acids (3 marks): - Can be synthesized by the human body - Not required in the diet under normal conditions - Examples: Alanine, Glycine Question 2: Describe five principles for diet planning. (10 Marks) Answer: - Adequacy (2 marks) Diet must provide sufficient energy and all essential nutrients - Meets individual's nutritional requirements based on age, sex, activity level - Balance (2 marks) Proper proportions of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) - No single nutrient should be consumed in excess at expense of others - Calorie Control (2 marks) Energy intake should match energy expenditure - Maintains healthy body weight and prevents obesity - Moderation (2 marks) Limiting foods high in saturated fat, sugar, salt, and alcohol - Avoiding excessive consumption of any particular food - Variety (2 marks) Including different foods from all food groups - Ensures intake of diverse nutrients and prevents monotony Question 3: Giving two examples in each, differentiate between water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. (6 Marks) Answer: Water-Soluble Vitamins (3 marks): - Dissolve in water and are easily absorbed - Not stored in body; excess amounts excreted in urine - Examples: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Vitamin B1 (thiamine) Fat-Soluble Vitamins (3 marks): - Dissolve in fats and require bile for absorption - Stored in body fat and liver; can accumulate to toxic levels - Examples: Vitamin A (retinol), Vitamin D (calciferol) Question 4: Suggest any five factors that would influence nutrient requirements of an individual. (5 Marks) Answer: - Age - Growing children and elderly have different nutrient needs - Sex - Women need more iron due to menstruation; men need more calories - Physical activity level - Athletes require more energy and certain nutrients - Health status - Illness, infection, or chronic diseases alter nutrient needs - Pregnancy and lactation - Increased requirements for most nutrients Question 5: List the nutritional deficiency disorders associated with the following nutrients: (3 Marks) Answer: - Vitamin C: Scurvy - Iron: Iron deficiency anemia - Iodine: Goiter and cretinism MAIN EXAMINATION 2021/2022 SECTION A (30 Marks) Question 1: Differentiate between essential and non-essential amino acids. (4 Marks) Answer: Essential Amino Acids (2 marks): - Cannot be synthesized by the human body in adequate amounts - Must be obtained from dietary protein sources - Include 9 amino acids: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine Non-Essential Amino Acids (2 marks): - Can be synthesized by the human body from other amino acids - Not required in the diet under normal physiological conditions - Include 11 amino acids such as alanine, asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid Question 2: Explain the importance of dietary fiber. (5 Marks) Answer: - Digestive health - Promotes regular bowel movements and prevents constipation - Weight management - Increases satiety and reduces caloric intake - Blood sugar control - Slows glucose absorption, preventing blood sugar spikes - Cholesterol reduction - Binds bile acids, lowering blood cholesterol levels - Disease prevention - Reduces risk of colorectal cancer, heart disease, and diabetes Explanation: Dietary fiber, though not digestible, provides numerous health benefits through its e