Which age group is particularly vulnerable to malnutrition?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Infants are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition due to their high growth rate and specific nutrient requirements. During the first year of life, infants experience rapid growth and development, requiring essential nutrients for proper physical and cognitive development. Teenagers, young adults, and middle-aged adults have more stable nutritional needs compared to infants, making them less vulnerable to malnutrition. Therefore, infants are the most susceptible age group when it comes to malnutrition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The U.S. Department of Agriculture collaborates with the Department of Health and Human Services to publish and revise the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This collaboration ensures that the guidelines encompass both agricultural and health aspects. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not directly involved in the publication and revision of the Dietary Guidelines. The National Institutes of Health focuses on medical research, the National Academy of Sciences provides independent scientific advice, and the Food and Nutrition Board is a part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: microorganisms. Microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, are common causes of foodborne illnesses. These pathogens can contaminate food during various stages of production, processing, or preparation. Choice A, pesticides, are chemicals used to control pests and are not a common cause of foodborne illnesses. Genetically modified ingredients, choice B, refer to foods derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and are not inherently linked to foodborne illnesses. Food additives, choice D, are substances added to food to preserve flavor or enhance taste and are not typically the primary cause of foodborne illnesses.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Biochemistry is the correct answer because it focuses on understanding the chemical processes related to nutrition and how nutrients affect the body. Anatomy (choice A) primarily deals with the structure of organisms, not the chemical processes of nutrition. Physics (choice C) deals with energy and matter, not specifically related to nutrition. Pharmacology (choice D) focuses on drugs and their interactions with the body, not directly related to nutrition and its effects on health.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: phosphorus. Phosphorus, along with calcium, is essential for bone health and maintenance. Potassium (choice A) is important for muscle function, iron (choice B) is crucial for red blood cell production, and fluoride (choice D) helps prevent tooth decay but is not a major mineral needed for bone tissue.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Micronutrients are essential nutrients needed by the body in small quantities to support various bodily functions. Vitamins fall under this category as they play crucial roles in metabolism, immune function, and overall health. While fats, proteins, and carbohydrates are essential macronutrients required in larger amounts for energy and growth, they are not classified as micronutrients. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: the unhealthy American public. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines primarily aimed to address the unhealthy eating habits prevalent in the American population. Choice A is incorrect as the focus was not solely on generally healthy segments of the population. Choice C is incorrect as the guidelines were not specifically tailored only for vulnerable population segments. Choice D is incorrect as the guidelines were more concerned with promoting healthy eating habits rather than ethnically diverse eating styles.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'fulfill specific metabolic roles.' Nutrients play essential roles in specific metabolic processes in the body such as energy production, tissue repair, and growth. Choice A, 'work independently,' is incorrect as nutrients often work synergistically rather than alone. Choice C, 'influence weight loss,' is incorrect as while some nutrients may support weight loss indirectly through metabolic processes, it is not their primary characteristic. Choice D, 'improve mental status,' is also incorrect as while some nutrients are important for brain health, their primary role is not specifically to improve mental status.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Carbohydrates are the body's primary source of energy. When carbohydrates are consumed, they are broken down into glucose, which is used by the body's cells for energy production. Fats and proteins are also essential nutrients, but carbohydrates are the preferred energy source for the body due to their quick conversion into fuel. Vitamins are not a direct source of energy but play crucial roles in various bodily functions.