20 Malnutrition Quiz Questions and Answers

Malnutrition is a condition resulting from an imbalance in nutrient intake, where the body does not receive adequate energy, proteins, vitamins, or minerals, or conversely, experiences excess intake leading to health issues. It encompasses undernutrition (including stunting, wasting, and underweight), overnutrition (such as obesity), and micronutrient deficiencies (like iron, vitamin A, or iodine deficiencies).

Globally, malnutrition affects millions, particularly in low-income regions, and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among children. Causes include poverty, inadequate food access, poor dietary diversity, infections, and environmental factors like climate change.

Undernutrition can lead to impaired growth, weakened immune systems, cognitive delays, and increased susceptibility to diseases. Overnutrition contributes to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Micronutrient deficiencies may cause anemia, blindness, or goiter.

Prevention strategies involve promoting balanced diets, breastfeeding, food fortification, and education on nutrition. Treatment includes therapeutic feeding, supplementation, and addressing underlying issues like sanitation and healthcare access. International efforts, such as those by the WHO and UNICEF, aim to reduce malnutrition through sustainable development goals.

Table of contents

Part 1: Best AI quiz making software for creating a malnutrition quiz

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Part 2: 20 malnutrition quiz questions & answers

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1. What is the primary cause of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in children in developing countries?
A. Excessive intake of proteins
B. Inadequate intake of proteins and calories
C. Overconsumption of vitamins
D. Genetic disorders
Answer: B
Explanation: Protein-energy malnutrition occurs due to insufficient intake of proteins and calories, often linked to poverty, poor feeding practices, and food insecurity.

2. Which type of malnutrition is characterized by a lack of vitamins and minerals?
A. Overnutrition
B. Micronutrient deficiency
C. Obesity
D. Kwashiorkor
Answer: B
Explanation: Micronutrient deficiency involves insufficient intake of essential vitamins and minerals, leading to conditions like anemia or scurvy.

3. What is a common symptom of severe acute malnutrition in children?
A. Excessive weight gain
B. Edema in the limbs
C. High energy levels
D. Normal growth patterns
Answer: B
Explanation: Edema, or swelling due to fluid retention, is a key symptom of severe acute malnutrition, particularly in forms like kwashiorkor.

4. Which age group is most vulnerable to malnutrition-related growth stunting?
A. Adolescents
B. Adults over 60
C. Children under 5 years
D. Teenagers
Answer: C
Explanation: Children under 5 years are most vulnerable because rapid growth and development require adequate nutrition, and deficiencies can lead to irreversible stunting.

5. What role does breastfeeding play in preventing malnutrition in infants?
A. It provides no nutritional benefits
B. It supplies essential nutrients and antibodies
C. It increases the risk of allergies
D. It is only useful for the first week
Answer: B
Explanation: Breastfeeding provides vital nutrients, antibodies, and promotes healthy immune development, reducing the risk of malnutrition in infants.

6. Which nutrient deficiency is commonly associated with iron-deficiency anemia?
A. Vitamin C
B. Iron
C. Calcium
D. Protein
Answer: B
Explanation: Iron deficiency leads to anemia by impairing hemoglobin production, resulting in fatigue and weakness.

7. How does chronic malnutrition affect cognitive development?
A. It has no impact
B. It enhances brain function
C. It can cause irreversible cognitive impairments
D. It only affects physical growth
Answer: C
Explanation: Chronic malnutrition during critical developmental periods can lead to long-term cognitive issues, such as reduced IQ and learning difficulties.

8. What is marasmus?
A. A form of obesity
B. Severe wasting due to energy deficiency
C. Excess vitamin intake
D. Bone density loss
Answer: B
Explanation: Marasmus is a type of severe malnutrition characterized by extreme weight loss and muscle wasting from insufficient energy and protein intake.

9. Which global initiative aims to reduce malnutrition by 2030?
A. World Health Organization’s Clean Water Program
B. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
C. Universal Healthcare Act
D. Global Warming Treaty
Answer: B
Explanation: The SDGs, particularly Goal 2, focus on ending hunger and improving nutrition to combat malnutrition worldwide by 2030.

10. What is the impact of malnutrition on the immune system?
A. It strengthens immunity
B. It increases susceptibility to infections
C. It has no effect
D. It only affects adults
Answer: B
Explanation: Malnutrition weakens the immune system by reducing the body’s ability to fight infections, leading to higher morbidity and mortality rates.

11. Which food group is essential for preventing vitamin A deficiency?
A. Dairy products
B. Fruits and vegetables rich in beta-carotene
C. Processed meats
D. Sugary snacks
Answer: B
Explanation: Foods like carrots and sweet potatoes, high in beta-carotene, are converted to vitamin A in the body, preventing deficiency-related issues like night blindness.

12. How does overnutrition contribute to malnutrition?
A. It does not contribute
B. It can lead to obesity and related health problems
C. It improves overall health
D. It only affects athletes
Answer: B
Explanation: Overnutrition, often from excessive calorie intake, can cause obesity, which is a form of malnutrition linked to diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

13. What is the first step in treating moderate malnutrition?
A. Immediate hospitalization
B. Nutritional supplementation and dietary improvement
C. Surgical intervention
D. Medication for infections
Answer: B
Explanation: Treatment begins with providing balanced nutrition through supplements and improved diet to restore health gradually.

14. Which population is at higher risk of iodine deficiency disorders?
A. Urban adults
B. People in iodine-deficient regions
C. Athletes
D. Elderly in developed countries
Answer: B
Explanation: Regions with iodine-poor soil increase the risk of deficiency, leading to goiter and developmental issues, especially in pregnant women and children.

15. What is the relationship between malnutrition and poverty?
A. They are unrelated
B. Poverty often leads to food insecurity and malnutrition
C. Malnutrition causes wealth
D. Only affects the wealthy
Answer: B
Explanation: Poverty limits access to nutritious food, clean water, and healthcare, making malnutrition more prevalent in low-income communities.

16. Which vitamin deficiency causes rickets in children?
A. Vitamin D
B. Vitamin B12
C. Vitamin E
D. Vitamin K
Answer: A
Explanation: Vitamin D deficiency impairs calcium absorption, leading to rickets, a condition characterized by weak and deformed bones.

17. How can malnutrition be prevented in emergency situations?
A. By ignoring dietary needs
B. Through ready-to-use therapeutic foods and aid programs
C. By promoting fast food
D. Through physical exercise alone
Answer: B
Explanation: In emergencies, therapeutic foods and targeted aid programs provide immediate nutrition to prevent and treat malnutrition.

18. What is kwashiorkor?
A. A type of overeating disorder
B. Severe malnutrition with edema due to protein deficiency
C. A genetic condition
D. Excessive fat accumulation
Answer: B
Explanation: Kwashiorkor is caused by severe protein deficiency, resulting in fluid retention and swelling, often in children after weaning.

19. Which factor increases the risk of malnutrition in the elderly?
A. High physical activity
B. Social isolation and reduced appetite
C. Excessive eating
D. Youthful metabolism
Answer: B
Explanation: Elderly individuals may face social isolation, leading to poor eating habits and inadequate nutrient intake, exacerbating malnutrition.

20. What is the global prevalence of stunting in children under 5 years?
A. Less than 5%
B. Around 25%
C. Over 50%
D. Nearly 100%
Answer: B
Explanation: According to WHO estimates, about 25% of children under 5 worldwide experience stunting due to chronic malnutrition.

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