Deck 27: The Safety and Effectiveness of Dietary Supplements

Question 1

Taking vitamin E or vitamin K supplements can be especially harmful for

A) people on weight-loss diets.
B) elderly people.
C) people who regularly drink green tea.
D) people who take the prescription drug Coumadin.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)recommends that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding

A) use herbs only with physician approval.
B) avoid herbs entirely.
C) take daily doses of echinacea to enhance immune function.
D) supplement their folate intake with ginger for enhanced absorption.

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Which of the following would NOT be classified as an herb?

A) thyme used as a flavoring
B) iodide added to salt
C) echinacea taken to prevent colds
D) lavender used for its scent

Answer 3

B

Question 4

According to the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994,dietary supplements are categorized as drugs.

Question 5

A healthcare provider would MOST likely prescribe which of the following supplements for a vegan?

A) vitamins K, D, and E, and iron
B) folic acid, copper, and chromium
C) riboflavin, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and zinc
D) B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and certain herbs

Question 6

The words "standardized" or "certified" on an herbal supplement label

A) guarantee that the product does not contain lead.
B) indicate that the producer has followed U.S.P. standards.
C) have no legal definition for supplements and are no guarantee of product quality, effectiveness, or safety.
D) identify the product as approved by the FDA.

Question 7

Which of the following would NOT be an effective strategy to follow when trying to evaluate the safety and quality of a particular supplement?

A) Look for the Pharmacopoeia (U.S.P.) Verified Mark on the label.
B) Buy nationally recognized brands.
C) Purchase products labeled "natural."
D) Contact the company to request additional information.

Question 8

Which of the following populations is MOST likely to benefit from taking a vitamin D supplement?

A) women who may become pregnant
B) people with low exposure to sunlight
C) people who do not consume adequate calcium
D) people on a highly restrictive weight-loss diet

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT true about herbal supplements?

A) Some herbs are effective medicines.
B) Many of the active ingredients in herbal supplements are not known.
C) Licorice root is one of the least harmful herbal supplements known.
D) Some herbal supplements have been found to contain unlabeled prescription drugs.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT required on a multivitamin and mineral supplement label?

A) name and place of manufacturer
B) Supplement Facts panel
C) statement of identity
D) at least one health claim

Question 11

The regulation of dietary supplements is just as rigorous as the regulation of drugs.

Question 12

Who is responsible for determining the safety and efficacy of any dietary supplement?

A) the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
B) the manufacturer of the supplement
C) the U.S. attorney general
D) the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Question 13

Which of the following populations would MOST benefit from taking a regular multivitamin and mineral supplement?

A) people with HIV/AIDS or other wasting disease
B) people whose exposure to sunlight is inadequate
C) children not drinking fluoridated water
D) newborns

Question 14

A sensible nutritional strategy for maintaining good health is to

A) eat a healthful diet containing a variety of whole foods.
B) eat foods you like and take a multivitamin and mineral supplement for "insurance."
C) eat a healthful diet but take a multivitamin and mineral supplement for "insurance."
D) follow a macrobiotic diet and take several single-nutrient supplements.

Question 15

A dietary supplement can be removed from the market for which of the following reasons?

A) if it has not been approved by the FDA
B) if it contains tissues from animal organs or glands
C) if it does not meet federal guidelines on purity, quality, safety, and composition
D) if the manufacturer cannot substantiate all label claims

Question 16

A dietary supplement would NOT contain

A) vitamins and minerals.
B) herbs or other botanicals.
C) amino acids.
D) aspirin.

Question 17

"Herbs at a Glance" fact sheets are available at the website of which of the following federal agencies?

A) U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
B) Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)
C) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
D) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

Question 18

Unless prescribed by a qualified practitioner,taking a single-nutrient supplement is NOT recommended because it

A) can quickly lead to nutrient toxicity.
B) can quickly lead to nutrient deficiency.
C) can quickly lead to nutrient dependency.
D) might reduce your appetite.

Question 19

Which of the following herbs is associated with the risks of high blood pressure,irregular heartbeat,and heart attack?

A) chamomile
B) ephedra
C) willow bark
D) kava

Question 20

Which of the following statements is FALSE?

A) Dietary supplements do not need approval from the FDA before they are marketed.
B) All supplements sold in the U.S. must contain the U.S.P. symbol.
C) The liver is often the organ damaged by use of contaminated dietary supplements.
D) No federal agency ensures the purity, safety, and quality of dietary supplements.

Question 21

The FDA does not test any supplement for safety before it is marketed.

Question 22

There are currently no federal guidelines or practices to ensure the purity,quality,safety,and composition of dietary supplements.

Question 23

The use of herbs to promote health and treat discomfort and disease is a relatively recent phenomenon.

Question 24

The population MOST likely to benefit from taking a single-nutrient beta-carotene supplement is smokers.

Question 25

Like drugs,herbs can cause medical problems if not used correctly.

Question 26

Dietary supplements are NOT substitutes for a healthful diet.

Question 27

The FDA must find a supplement unsafe before it can remove the supplement from the market.

Question 28

Taking supplements will increase your energy level.