Inorganic mineral and vitamin supplements used as nutraceuticals MCQs With Answer

This quiz collection on inorganic mineral and vitamin supplements used as nutraceuticals is designed for M.Pharm students studying Advanced Pharmacognosy I (MPG 102T). It focuses on the chemical forms, bioavailability, analytical methods, interactions, stability, toxicology and regulatory aspects of commonly used minerals and vitamins. The questions emphasize critical selection of supplement forms, mechanisms that influence absorption, assay techniques and formulation considerations relevant to pharmaceutical practice. Answers are provided for self-assessment and to reinforce conceptual understanding needed for research, formulation development and quality control of nutraceutical products. Use these MCQs to test both foundational knowledge and applied decision-making for professional practice.

Q1. Which oral iron salt is classically considered to have the highest and most predictable bioavailability for treating iron deficiency anemia?

• Ferrous sulfate
• Ferric hydroxide
• Ferric citrate
• Ferrous gluconate

Correct Answer: Ferrous sulfate

Q2. Which form of vitamin D is generally regarded as more effective at raising and maintaining serum 25‑hydroxyvitamin D levels?

• Ergocalciferol (Vitamin D2)
• Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)
• Calcitriol (1,25‑dihydroxyvitamin D)
• Calcifediol (25‑hydroxyvitamin D)

Correct Answer: Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3)

Q3. Which zinc preparation is often marketed as having superior absorption due to chelation with an organic ligand?

• Zinc sulfate
• Zinc oxide
• Zinc picolinate
• Zinc carbonate

Correct Answer: Zinc picolinate

Q4. For formulation into lipid‑containing or more oxidation‑resistant nutraceuticals, which vitamin C derivative is preferred for enhanced stability?

• Ascorbic acid
• Sodium ascorbate
• Ascorbyl palmitate
• Dehydroascorbic acid

Correct Answer: Ascorbyl palmitate

Q5. Which analytical technique is especially suited for quantitative measurement of trace metals in nutraceutical samples at low concentrations?

• Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)
• HPLC with UV detection
• Gas chromatography‑mass spectrometry (GC‑MS)
• Thin layer chromatography (TLC)

Correct Answer: Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)

Q6. Which vitamin B12 form already exists as a biologically active coenzyme used directly by human metabolism?

• Cyanocobalamin
• Hydroxocobalamin
• Methylcobalamin
• Adenosylcobalamin

Correct Answer: Methylcobalamin

Q7. Which form of vitamin K is most associated with long‑term extrahepatic activity relevant to bone and vascular health?

• Phylloquinone (K1)
• Menaquinone‑4 (MK‑4)
• Menaquinone‑7 (MK‑7)
• Synthetic menadione (K3)

Correct Answer: Menaquinone‑7 (MK‑7)

Q8. Supplementation with which vitamin before and during early pregnancy is most directly linked to prevention of neural tube defects?

• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
• Folic acid (folate)
• Vitamin A (retinol)
• Vitamin D (cholecalciferol)

Correct Answer: Folic acid (folate)

Q9. Which calcium salt is preferred for patients with reduced gastric acidity (e.g., on proton pump inhibitors) due to better absorption independent of stomach acid?

• Calcium carbonate
• Calcium citrate
• Calcium hydroxide
• Calcium sulfate

Correct Answer: Calcium citrate

Q10. Which dietary component is known to markedly inhibit non‑heme iron absorption from plant and cereal‑based diets?

• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
• Phytates (phytic acid)
• Vitamin D
• Sodium chloride

Correct Answer: Phytates (phytic acid)

Q11. In oral supplementation, which vitamin is commonly provided as an ester (palmitate) to improve stability and handling?

• Vitamin E (alpha‑tocopherol palmitate)
• Vitamin C (ascorbic palmitate)
• Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate)
• Vitamin D (cholecalciferol palmitate)

Correct Answer: Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate)

Q12. Which organic form of selenium is widely used in supplements because it is incorporated into body proteins and shows high bioavailability?

• Sodium selenite
• Sodium selenate
• Selenomethionine
• Selenocysteine

Correct Answer: Selenomethionine

Q13. For sensitive quantitation of riboflavin (vitamin B2) in complex nutraceutical matrices, which analytical method is most appropriate?

• HPLC with fluorescence detection
• Atomic absorption spectroscopy
• Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection
• Microbiological assay

Correct Answer: HPLC with fluorescence detection

Q14. Which form of niacin is less likely to produce cutaneous flushing when used in supplements?

• Nicotinic acid (niacin)
• Nicotinamide (niacinamide)
• Nicotinamide riboside
• Nicotinyl alcohol

Correct Answer: Nicotinamide (niacinamide)

Q15. Which chelating agent is commonly used in clinical management of lead poisoning to bind and enhance renal excretion of lead?

• Deferoxamine
• Calcium disodium EDTA
• Penicillamine
• Vitamin C (ascorbate)

Correct Answer: Calcium disodium EDTA

Q16. For large‑scale salt iodization especially in hot and humid climates, which iodine compound is preferred because of superior shelf stability?

• Potassium iodide
• Sodium iodide
• Potassium iodate
• Sodium iodate

Correct Answer: Potassium iodate

Q17. Which vitamin is particularly light‑sensitive and requires opaque packaging to prevent photodegradation in finished nutraceutical products?

• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
• Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone)

Correct Answer: Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

Q18. Which magnesium salt is commonly used in oral supplements for better gastrointestinal absorption and tolerability?

• Magnesium oxide
• Magnesium sulfate
• Magnesium citrate
• Magnesium hydroxide

Correct Answer: Magnesium citrate

Q19. Historically, which vitamin was frequently quantified using a microbiological assay due to lack of simple chemical chromophores—still useful for some folate determinations?

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
• Folic acid (folate)
• Vitamin D (calciferol)
• Vitamin E (tocopherol)

Correct Answer: Folic acid (folate)

Q20. On nutraceutical supplement labels, what declaration is typically required to inform consumers about nutrient contribution per serving?

• Only batch number and manufacturer address
• Amount per serving and % recommended daily allowance (RDA) or % daily value
• Clinical trial p‑values
• Exact raw material supplier names

Correct Answer: Amount per serving and % recommended daily allowance (RDA) or % daily value

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