Health problems and diseases preventable or curable by Nutraceuticals MCQs With Answer

Introduction

Nutraceuticals, including vitamins, minerals, omega-3s, probiotics, polyphenols and herbal extracts, play an expanding role in preventing and managing health problems and diseases. For B. Pharm students, understanding mechanisms—antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, lipid‑lowering, insulin‑sensitizing, gut‑microbiota modulation—and clinical evidence is essential. Key topics include cardiovascular risk reduction (phytosterols, omega‑3), glycemic control (berberine, fiber), bone health (calcium, vitamin D), neuroprotection (polyphenols), and joint support (glucosamine, chondroitin). Learn about bioavailability, interactions, dosing, safety and regulatory status to apply nutraceuticals as preventive therapeutics. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. Which nutraceutical is most effective at lowering LDL cholesterol through competitive inhibition of intestinal cholesterol absorption?

• Omega‑3 fatty acids
• Phytosterols
• Curcumin
• Coenzyme Q10

Correct Answer: Phytosterols

Q2. What is the primary mechanism by which long‑chain omega‑3 fatty acids reduce cardiovascular risk?

• Inhibition of HMG‑CoA reductase
• Reduction of hepatic triglyceride synthesis and lowering serum triglycerides
• Blocking intestinal cholesterol absorption
• Direct increase of LDL receptor expression

Correct Answer: Reduction of hepatic triglyceride synthesis and lowering serum triglycerides

Q3. Which nutraceutical has clinical evidence showing effects on glycemic control comparable to metformin in some studies?

• Resveratrol
• Berberine
• Cinnamon
• Chromium picolinate

Correct Answer: Berberine

Q4. Which vitamin is essential to prevent rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults?

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin K

Correct Answer: Vitamin D

Q5. Which combination is the first‑line nutraceutical approach for improving bone mineral density in postmenopausal women?

• Omega‑3 fatty acids and vitamin K
• Calcium and vitamin D
• Glucosamine and chondroitin
• Coenzyme Q10 and selenium

Correct Answer: Calcium and vitamin D

Q6. Which nutraceutical is commonly used to relieve symptoms and improve function in mild to moderate osteoarthritis?

• Phytosterols
• Glucosamine sulfate
• Resveratrol
• Probiotics

Correct Answer: Glucosamine sulfate

Q7. Probiotic supplementation has the strongest evidence for prevention of which condition?

• Antibiotic‑associated diarrhea
• Type 1 diabetes
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Osteoporosis

Correct Answer: Antibiotic‑associated diarrhea

Q8. Which class of nutraceuticals is best known for neuroprotective antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory actions via multiple signaling pathways?

• Polyphenols (e.g., resveratrol, curcumin)
• Phytosterols
• Plant stanols
• Essential amino acids

Correct Answer: Polyphenols (e.g., resveratrol, curcumin)

Q9. Which nutraceutical reduces LDL cholesterol primarily by displacing dietary cholesterol from mixed micelles in the gut?

• Niacin
• Phytosterols
• Coenzyme Q10
• Probiotic yogurt

Correct Answer: Phytosterols

Q10. Which nutraceutical class is most effective for markedly lowering elevated serum triglycerides?

• Omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA)
• Lutein and zeaxanthin
• Vitamin B12
• Prebiotic fiber

Correct Answer: Omega‑3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA)

Q11. Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation is primarily used to prevent progression of which condition?

• Age‑related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Glaucoma
• Cataract caused by infection
• Color blindness

Correct Answer: Age‑related macular degeneration (AMD)

Q12. Which B‑vitamin is key for lowering elevated homocysteine and reducing cardiovascular risk associated with hyperhomocysteinemia?

• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
• Folate (vitamin B9)
• Vitamin B7 (biotin)
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)

Correct Answer: Folate (vitamin B9)

Q13. Which herbal nutraceutical has clinical evidence for modest reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure?

• Garlic extract
• Green tea extract
• Ginkgo biloba
• St. John’s wort

Correct Answer: Garlic extract

Q14. Which nutraceutical herb is associated with increased bleeding risk and caution in anticoagulated patients?

• Ginkgo biloba
• Curcumin
• Berberine
• Soy isoflavone

Correct Answer: Ginkgo biloba

Q15. Which compound is most often combined with glucosamine to provide symptomatic relief in osteoarthritis formulations?

• Chondroitin sulfate
• Phytosterols
• Lutein
• Omega‑3

Correct Answer: Chondroitin sulfate

Q16. Which antioxidant nutraceutical has evidence for improving histology in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in selected patients?

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin B12

Correct Answer: Vitamin E

Q17. Curcumin exerts anti‑inflammatory effects largely through inhibition of which transcription factor?

• HIF‑1α
• NF‑κB
• STAT3
• p53

Correct Answer: NF‑κB

Q18. Which bioavailability enhancer is commonly co‑administered with curcumin to increase systemic absorption?

• Piperine (black pepper extract)
• Alpha‑tocopherol
• Zinc sulfate
• Inulin

Correct Answer: Piperine (black pepper extract)

Q19. Which compound is classified as a prebiotic that stimulates beneficial gut microbiota and increases short‑chain fatty acid production?

• Inulin
• Glucosamine
• Omega‑3 fatty acids
• Coenzyme Q10

Correct Answer: Inulin

Q20. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation is most commonly recommended to manage which nutraceutical‑related adverse effect?

• Statin‑associated myalgia
• Vitamin D toxicity
• Probiotic‑induced bloating
• Iron overload

Correct Answer: Statin‑associated myalgia

Q21. In many regulatory frameworks, nutraceuticals are legally classified as which category?

• Prescription drugs
• Dietary supplements / functional foods
• Medical devices
• Controlled substances

Correct Answer: Dietary supplements / functional foods

Q22. Which nutraceutical is commonly used to reduce menopausal vasomotor symptoms through weak estrogenic activity?

• Soy isoflavones (phytoestrogens)
• Ginseng
• Omega‑3 fatty acids
• Green tea extract

Correct Answer: Soy isoflavones (phytoestrogens)

Q23. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) from green tea is studied for cancer prevention primarily due to which actions?

• Antioxidant and anti‑angiogenic effects
• Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase
• Stimulation of erythropoiesis
• Promotion of bone resorption

Correct Answer: Antioxidant and anti‑angiogenic effects

Q24. Omega‑3 fatty acids contribute to resolution of inflammation by being precursors for which molecules?

• Prostaglandins only
• Resolvins and protectins
• Leukotriene B4 exclusively
• C‑reactive protein

Correct Answer: Resolvins and protectins

Q25. Which herbal supplement induces CYP450 enzymes and can reduce plasma concentrations of many co‑administered drugs?

• St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
• Milk thistle
• Garcinia cambogia
• Turmeric (curcumin)

Correct Answer: St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Q26. In cardiovascular nutraceutical trials, the combined endpoint “MACE” refers to what?

• Major adverse cardiovascular events
• Minimum absolute cholesterol effect
• Metabolic and cognitive evaluation
• Maximum antioxidant capacity

Correct Answer: Major adverse cardiovascular events

Q27. Which nutraceutical is classically used to prevent scurvy?

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin B12
• Iron

Correct Answer: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Q28. Iodine supplementation primarily prevents which disease when given at population level?

• Rickets
• Goiter and cretinism (iodine deficiency disorders)
• Scurvy
• Pellagra

Correct Answer: Goiter and cretinism (iodine deficiency disorders)

Q29. Selenium deficiency is associated with which cardiomyopathy that can be mitigated by selenium supplementation in endemic areas?

• Keshan disease
• Cor pulmonale
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy of genetic origin
• Ischemic cardiomyopathy only

Correct Answer: Keshan disease

Q30. Dietary soluble fiber (e.g., psyllium) reduces cardiovascular risk primarily by which mechanism?

• Enhancing renal excretion of sodium
• Binding bile acids and lowering LDL cholesterol
• Directly inhibiting platelet aggregation
• Blocking intestinal absorption of omega‑3

Correct Answer: Binding bile acids and lowering LDL cholesterol

G S Sachin

I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.

Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com