Question 1

Which herbal supplement is touted for migraine relief, mainly as it possesses pharmacologic properties similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and should be avoided in pregnancy, particularly during the third trimester?

Accepted Answer

Feverfew is known for its anti-inflammatory properties similar to NSAIDs and is often used for migraine relief. However, it should be avoided during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, due to potential risks.

Question 2

"Shark cartilage" may also be a formulation, or 'other name,' for what dietary supplement?

Accepted Answer

Shark cartilage is often associated with chondroitin, a compound found in cartilage that is used as a dietary supplement for joint health.

Question 3

A popular herbal supplement touted as an immune system booster is:

Accepted Answer

Echinacea is commonly used as an herbal supplement to boost the immune system and help prevent or treat colds and infections.

Question 4

Kyolic branded products contain what natural supplement?

Accepted Answer

Kyolic branded products are known for containing aged garlic extract as their primary natural supplement.

Question 5

St. John's Wort is popularly used to:

Accepted Answer

St. John's Wort is commonly used as a herbal remedy to treat mild to moderate depression.

Question 6

Glucosamine, although generally safe, may want to be avoided in patients that have:

Accepted Answer

Glucosamine is often derived from shellfish, so patients with a severe shellfish allergy may want to avoid it to prevent allergic reactions.

Question 7

Hepatotoxicity, which has warranted alerts from the FDA, has been associated with which of the following natural supplements?

Accepted Answer

Kava has been associated with hepatotoxicity, leading to liver damage and has prompted warnings from the FDA.

Question 8

Which of the following supplements as a "phytoestrogen" is used by some women to help control symptoms during perimenopause?

Accepted Answer

Black cohosh is a supplement that contains phytoestrogens and is often used by women to help manage symptoms associated with perimenopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings.

Question 9

Significant interactions with St John's Wort include:

Accepted Answer

St John's Wort can induce cytochrome P450 enzymes, leading to increased metabolism of drugs like cyclosporine. It can also increase the risk of serotonin syndrome when taken with other serotonergic antidepressants. Additionally, it may increase phototoxicity when combined with drugs like amiodarone.

Question 10

A dietary supplement used as a sleep aid and also used to ease the feelings of "jet lag" is:

Accepted Answer

Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and is commonly used as a supplement to aid sleep and alleviate jet lag symptoms.

Question 11

All of the following oral supplements can decrease the effectiveness of oral fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12 does not interact with fluoroquinolones or tetracyclines, whereas calcium, ferrous sulfate, and zinc can bind to these antibiotics and reduce their absorption and effectiveness.

Question 12

The inability of this nutrient to be fully absorbed, which can result in what is known as pernicious anemia, is seen with what vitamin?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells. Pernicious anemia is a condition in which the body is unable to absorb vitamin B12, leading to a deficiency of red blood cells.

Question 13

400 International Units (IU) of ergocalciferol is equivalent to how many micrograms of ergocalciferol?

Accepted Answer

400 IU of ergocalciferol is equivalent to 10 micrograms, as 1 IU of ergocalciferol is approximately equal to 0.025 micrograms.

Question 14

Interactions with what herbal supplements may increase the risk of bleeding with patients who are on aspirin or other antiplatelet therapy, as these supplements do have antiplatelet activity?

Accepted Answer

Gingko biloba is known to have antiplatelet properties, which can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with aspirin or other antiplatelet medications.

Question 15

A patient who received a kidney transplant is on the drug cyclosporine. Which of the following dietary supplements should this patient avoid using on their own and only use with proper consultation with the appropriate healthcare provider?

Accepted Answer

St. John's Wort and Echinacea can both interact with cyclosporine. St. John's Wort can decrease cyclosporine levels, potentially leading to transplant rejection, while Echinacea may stimulate the immune system, counteracting the immunosuppressive effects of cyclosporine.

Question 16

Although vitamins are generally safe during pregnancy, which one listed below could be very teratogenic if ingested in large amounts during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin A, particularly in high doses, can be teratogenic and cause birth defects during pregnancy.

Question 17

Patients with significant ragweed allergy may react unfavorably to what dietary supplement?

Accepted Answer

Chamomile is related to ragweed and may cause allergic reactions in individuals with ragweed allergies.

Question 18

Touted to relieve symptoms of nausea, this product may be used occasionally for pregnant women who have morning sickness.

Accepted Answer

Ginger is commonly used to relieve nausea and is considered safe for occasional use in pregnant women experiencing morning sickness.

Question 19

What dietary supplement do people use to "support cardiac health" as a touted cardioprotectant?

Accepted Answer

Flaxseed oil is often used as a dietary supplement to support cardiac health due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart health benefits.

Question 20

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act assures the ________________ of dietary supplements.

Accepted Answer

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) does not assure the safety or efficacy of dietary supplements. It primarily regulates labeling and allows the FDA to intervene if a product is proven unsafe after it is on the market.

Quiz 15: Natural Products, Dietary Supplements, and Nutrients