Deck 18: Phytonutrients

Question 1

Which of the following statements about phytonutrients is FALSE?

A) They are natural compounds found in plant foods and are known by other names such as non-traditional nutrients, phytochemicals and healthful bioactive plant components.
B) Any one class of phytonutrients may have several functions. For example, carotenoids can be antioxidants, antimutagens and anticarcinogens and environmental signals.
C) Chemical compounds from plant foods are considered to be phytonutrients if they affect health.
D) Humans are not capable of phytonutrient synthesis and are dependent on those found in the diet.
E) Phytonutrient extracts or concentrates do not necessarily have the same effects in promoting health as consuming food that is rich in that phytonutrient.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Which of the following statements is FALSE?

A) Lutein and zeaxanthin, which are carotenoids found in spinach and corn, could slow down the development of age-related degeneration of the macula.
B) The antioxidant activity of flavonoids in fruit and vegetables may explain the protective effect of the consumption of fruit and vegetables on certain cancers.
C) Some isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, have a similar chemical structure to the oestrogen hormone and this may explain the oestrogen modulatory effects of these phytonutrients.
D) Isothiocyanates from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale and brussels sprouts, have anticarcinogenic properties.
E) Curcumin in turmeric may help reduce symptoms of prostate enlargement due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties.

Answer 2

E

Question 3

The following phytonutrients are antioxidants EXCEPT:

A) carotenoids
B) flavonoids
C) polyphenols
D) phytosterols
E) curcumin

Answer 3

D

Question 4

Use of nutrient supplements or food fortification is sometimes necessary in the following situations EXCEPT:

A) folate fortification to prevent congenital neural tube defects
B) iron supplements in pregnant women
C) antioxidant supplements to prevent CVD and cancer
D) vitamin B-12 supplements or fortification in vegans
E) iodine supplements for women thinking of having a baby, during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Question 5

Curcumin is the main bioactive compound in:

A) garlic
B) turmeric
C) oats
D) curry powder
E) saffron

Question 6

It is said that phytonutrients are not required by the human body to sustain life. Explain why we should include a wide variety of plant-based foods as phytonutrient sources in our diet.

Question 7

List at least 3 phytonutrients from different chemical classes and, for each phytonutrient, indicate the class they are from, their important food source(s) and biological properties.

Question 8

What could be the explanations for phytonutrient extracts or concentrates not having the same effects as consuming food?

Question 9

Identify the situations in which you would recommend nutrient supplementation?

Question 10

Describe the action of carotenoids and what you would recommend to increase intake.