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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Basic Nutrition Quiz: Test Your Everyday Food Know-How

Quick, free nutrition knowledge test. Instant results and tips.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Blessing OlagundoyeUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
paper art style fruits vegetables nutrition icons on golden yellow background promoting free basic nutrition quiz

This basic nutrition quiz helps you check your understanding of nutrients, digestion, and healthy eating. Get quick results, then build on the basics with our balanced diet quiz, a vitamins quiz, and a healthy eating quiz. Use it as a quick review before class or to spot topics you want to practice.

Which of the following is considered a macronutrient?
Calcium
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Carbohydrates
Macronutrients are nutrients the body needs in large amounts to provide energy and support growth and metabolism. Carbohydrates are one of the three main macronutrients alongside proteins and fats. They serve as a primary energy source, especially for the brain and muscles during activity.
Which vitamin is fat-soluble?
Vitamin D
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin B6
Fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E, and K, which dissolve in dietary fats and oils and are stored in the bodys fatty tissue. Vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphorus balance for bone health. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins require dietary fat for absorption.
What is the basic unit of carbohydrates?
Triglyceride
Amino acid
Nucleotide
Monosaccharide
Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates and include glucose, fructose, and galactose. They serve as fundamental building blocks for more complex carbs like disaccharides and polysaccharides. Glucose is the primary monosaccharide used in cellular energy production.
How many cups of water is commonly recommended per day for most adults?
12 cups
8 cups
23 cups
16 cups
A general guideline suggests about eight 8-ounce cups of water daily (about 2 liters) for most adults. Individual water needs vary based on activity level, climate, and health status. Proper hydration supports digestion, nutrient transport, and temperature regulation.
What is the primary function of dietary proteins?
Supply quick energy
Provide dietary fiber
Regulate water balance
Build and repair body tissues
Proteins are made of amino acids and are essential for building and repairing muscles, organs, and tissues. They also play roles in enzyme and hormone production, immune function, and maintaining fluid balance. Though proteins can be used for energy, their main role is structural and functional.
Which of the following foods is a good source of dietary fiber?
Chicken breast
Apple with skin
Skim milk
Butter
Dietary fiber is found primarily in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. An apple with its skin provides both soluble and insoluble fiber, promoting digestion and satiety. Fiber assists in bowel regularity and can help lower cholesterol levels.
What does BMR stand for in nutrition science?
Body Mass Ratio
Blood Metabolism Rate
Basic Metabolic Requirement
Basal Metabolic Rate
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories your body needs at rest to maintain basic physiological functions like breathing and circulation. It varies based on age, gender, weight, and body composition. BMR accounts for the largest portion of total daily energy expenditure.
Which nutrient provides approximately 9 kilocalories per gram?
Carbohydrate
Vitamin
Fat
Protein
Fats provide about 9 kcal per gram, making them the most energy-dense macronutrient. Carbohydrates and proteins each provide about 4 kcal per gram, while alcohol provides 7 kcal per gram. This higher energy density is why fats are efficient for energy storage.
Which mineral is most crucial for building and maintaining strong bones?
Sodium
Calcium
Iron
Potassium
Calcium is the primary mineral found in bones and teeth, providing structural strength. Adequate calcium intake throughout life helps prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures. Calcium also plays roles in muscle contraction and nerve function.
What is a key role of dietary fiber in digestion?
Promotes regular bowel movements
Increases blood cholesterol levels
Acts as a primary energy source
Provides essential amino acids
Dietary fiber adds bulk to the stool and helps maintain regular bowel movements, reducing the risk of constipation. It can also help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing glucose absorption. Soluble fiber may lower LDL cholesterol and support heart health.
Which enzyme initiates protein digestion in the stomach?
Pepsin
Lactase
Lipase
Amylase
Pepsin is secreted by chief cells in the stomach as pepsinogen and activated by acidic pH. It breaks peptide bonds, beginning the process of protein digestion into smaller peptides. Proteolytic enzymes continue this process in the small intestine.
The glycemic index measures how a food affects which of the following?
Blood cholesterol levels
Fat storage
Rate of blood glucose rise
Protein synthesis
The glycemic index (GI) rates carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100 based on how quickly they raise blood glucose after eating. Foods with a high GI are rapidly digested and absorbed, causing a quick rise in blood glucose. Low-GI foods lead to a slower, gradual increase.
Which benefit is associated with omega-3 fatty acids?
Impaired brain function
Reduced inflammation
Raised LDL cholesterol
Increased inflammation
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, possess anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit heart and joint health. They help reduce triglyceride levels and may support cognitive function. Common dietary sources include fatty fish, flaxseed, and walnuts.
What is the recommended daily protein intake for an average sedentary adult?
1.5 g per kg of body weight
2.0 g per kg of body weight
0.5 g per kg of body weight
0.8 g per kg of body weight
The World Health Organization recommends about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day for healthy, sedentary adults. This intake supports maintenance of muscle mass and normal bodily functions. Higher needs may apply for athletes, pregnant women, or the elderly.
Which vitamin deficiency causes scurvy?
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
Vitamin A
Scurvy results from a deficiency in vitamin C, which is required for collagen synthesis and connective tissue maintenance. Early symptoms include fatigue, gum inflammation, and easy bruising. Adequate intake through fruits and vegetables prevents this deficiency.
What is the process of converting glucose into glycogen called?
Glycogenesis
Gluconeogenesis
Glycolysis
Lipogenesis
Glycogenesis is the metabolic pathway in which glucose molecules are polymerized to form glycogen for energy storage, primarily in liver and muscle cells. It occurs when glucose levels are high, such as after a meal. Glycogen can later be broken down when the body needs glucose.
Which lipoprotein is commonly referred to as bad cholesterol?
Chylomicron
LDL
HDL
VLDL
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) carries cholesterol to tissues, and excessive levels can deposit cholesterol in artery walls, leading to atherosclerosis. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is considered good because it transports cholesterol away from arteries to the liver for excretion. Monitoring LDL levels helps assess cardiovascular risk.
Which amino acid is considered essential and must be obtained from the diet?
Glycine
Lysine
Alanine
Aspartate
Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained from dietary protein sources. Lysine plays roles in protein synthesis, hormone production, and calcium absorption. Animal proteins and certain plant proteins such as quinoa provide all essential amino acids.
What is the primary site of nutrient absorption in the digestive tract?
Small intestine
Large intestine
Pancreas
Stomach
The small intestine, especially the jejunum and ileum regions, is specialized for absorbing nutrients like amino acids, sugars, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Its large surface area is provided by villi and microvilli, enhancing absorption efficiency. The stomach and large intestine have minimal nutrient absorption roles.
What does RDA stand for in nutrition guidelines?
Regulated Daily Allowance
Required Dietary Amount
Recommended Daily Allowance
Recommended Dietary Allowance
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) represents the average daily level of nutrient intake sufficient to meet the requirements of nearly all healthy individuals in a specific age and gender group. RDAs are set by expert committees and guide dietary planning and policy. They help prevent deficiencies and promote long-term health.
Which hormone lowers blood calcium levels by inhibiting bone resorption?
Calcitonin
Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
Insulin
Glucagon
Calcitonin is produced by the thyroid gland and helps lower blood calcium by inhibiting osteoclast activity, reducing bone resorption. It acts in opposition to parathyroid hormone, which increases blood calcium. Calcitonin also promotes calcium excretion in the kidneys.
How do simple carbohydrates differ from complex carbohydrates?
Simple carbs provide more calories than complex carbs
Simple carbs are mono- or disaccharides; complex carbs are polysaccharides
Simple carbs contain amino acids; complex carbs contain nucleotides
Simple carbs are polysaccharides; complex carbs are monosaccharides
Simple carbohydrates are composed of one or two sugar molecules (monosaccharides and disaccharides) and are digested quickly, causing rapid blood sugar spikes. Complex carbohydrates are long chains of sugar units (polysaccharides) and digest more slowly, providing sustained energy and fiber. Whole grains and legumes are common sources of complex carbs.
What role do bile salts play in digestion?
Activate pepsinogen
Break down carbohydrates
Denature proteins
Emulsify dietary fats
Bile salts are produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder. They emulsify fats in the small intestine, increasing the surface area for pancreatic lipase to act and enhancing fat digestion and absorption. Emulsification is critical for efficient lipid processing.
Which vitamin is a precursor to the coenzyme NAD?
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Niacin (vitamin B3) is a precursor for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and NADP, which are essential coenzymes in redox reactions for energy metabolism. Deficiency of niacin can lead to pellagra, characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia. Niacin is found in meats, legumes, and fortified grains.
What is the primary action of cholecystokinin (CCK) in digestion?
Stimulates insulin secretion
Increases bile acid synthesis in the liver
Stimulates gallbladder contraction and pancreatic enzyme release
Inhibits gastric acid secretion
Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a peptide hormone released by the small intestine in response to fats and proteins. It stimulates the gallbladder to contract, releasing bile into the small intestine to aid fat emulsification. CCK also prompts the pancreas to secrete digestive enzymes for protein and fat breakdown.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Essential Nutrients -

    Differentiate between macronutrients and micronutrients to understand their functions and daily requirements in a balanced diet.

  2. Explain the Digestive Process -

    Outline each stage of digestion, from ingestion to absorption, to recognize how nutrients are processed and utilized by the body during the nutrition test 1 quiz.

  3. Analyze Dietary Guidelines -

    Apply basic nutrition quiz principles to evaluate common dietary recommendations and portion sizes for well-rounded meal planning.

  4. Apply MCQ Test Strategies -

    Use effective techniques to interpret and answer multiple-choice nutrition MCQ quiz questions accurately under timed conditions.

  5. Evaluate Healthy Eating Habits -

    Assess personal eating patterns against established nutrition basics guidelines and identify areas for improvement.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Macronutrient Energy Densities -

    Carbohydrates and proteins each provide 4 kcal per gram, while fats supply 9 kcal per gram. Remember the "4-9-4" rule to quickly recall energy densities (4 for carbs/proteins, 9 for fats), a tip often taught in nutrition science courses at universities like Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

  2. Key Digestive Enzymes & Sites -

    Amylase begins carbohydrate breakdown in the mouth, pepsin cleaves proteins in the stomach, and pancreatic lipase handles fats in the small intestine. A handy mnemonic is "MAP" (Mouth-Amylase, Acid-Pepsin, Pancreas-Lipase) to map enzymes to their primary locations (source: NIH Digestive Diseases).

  3. Fat- vs. Water-Soluble Vitamins -

    Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble and stored in adipose tissue, whereas B-complex vitamins and vitamin C are water-soluble and excreted daily. Recall "A DEK of cards" for the fat-solubles and "BC's SIP daily" for water-solubles to track your micronutrient intake (source: Linus Pauling Institute).

  4. Dietary Fiber Types & Benefits -

    Soluble fiber (e.g., oats, legumes) forms a gel to lower cholesterol, while insoluble fiber (e.g., wheat bran, vegetables) adds bulk to speed intestinal transit. The "Soluable Slows, Insoluble Speeds" rhyme helps you remember their effects on digestion and heart health (source: Mayo Clinic).

  5. Estimating Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) -

    The Mifflin - St Jeor equation is widely used: for men, BMR = 10 × weight(kg) + 6.25 × height(cm) - 5 × age + 5; for women, subtract 161 instead of adding 5. This formula, endorsed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, offers an evidence-based way to estimate daily energy needs.

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