Q1. Which of the following components of food primarily serves as the main source of immediate energy for the human body?
Human Health, Food, Nutrition and Public Health Programmes: RAS Prelims MCQs
151 RAS Prelims MCQs on human health, food, nutrition and public health programmes test nutrients, vitamins, deficiency diseases and government programmes. Carbohydrates, vitamin names, iron and anaemia, overnutrition, adulteration and epidemic dropsy, the role of an ASHA worker and the aims of Poshan Abhiyan are asked as facts and effects.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 1–10 of 151 questions
Q2. Which of the following is an exception to the primary function of proteins in the human body?
Explanation
Proteins are essential for structural components of cells, repairing tissues, and synthesizing hormones or enzymes. However, their role in energy storage is minimal compared to fats and carbohydrates. The body primarily stores energy in the form of glycogen or adipose tissue rather than protein, utilizing protein for fuel only during states of prolonged starvation.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding fats in the human diet:
I. Saturated fats are typically solid at room temperature.
II. Trans fats increase the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
III. Fats provide more than double the energy per gram compared to carbohydrates.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Saturated fats are typically solid at room temperature.
II. Trans fats increase the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
III. Fats provide more than double the energy per gram compared to carbohydrates.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Saturated fats typically maintain a solid state at room temperature due to their chemical structure. Regarding energy density, fats provide approximately nine kilocalories per gram, which is more than double the energy supplied by carbohydrates. Trans fats are harmful because they simultaneously raise low-density lipoprotein levels while lowering high-density lipoprotein levels in the human bloodstream.
Q4. Which of the following vitamins is correctly paired with its chemical name?
Explanation
Vitamin C is chemically known as ascorbic acid and is vital for collagen synthesis and immune function. Vitamin A is referred to as retinol, while Vitamin D is called calciferol. Vitamin B1 is scientifically named thiamine. Understanding these chemical names is essential for identifying specific nutrient functions and the corresponding deficiency diseases that might affect health.
Q5. The deficiency of iron in the human body most directly leads to which of the following conditions?
Explanation
Iron is a critical component of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. A deficiency in iron leads to reduced haemoglobin levels, resulting in anaemia. This condition causes symptoms such as fatigue and weakness because the body’s tissues and organs do not receive sufficient oxygen for metabolism.
Q6. The concept of Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) refers to the:
Explanation
The Recommended Dietary Allowance represents the average daily dietary nutrient intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group. It serves as a goal for daily intake to ensure nutritional adequacy and prevent chronic diseases associated with specific nutrient deficiencies.
Q7. Which of the following is a direct consequence of overnutrition?
Explanation
Overnutrition occurs when the intake of nutrients or calories exceeds the body’s actual needs, leading to the excessive accumulation of adipose tissue. Obesity is a direct consequence of this chronic energy imbalance and is associated with various health risks. In contrast, conditions like marasmus and kwashiorkor result from undernutrition, specifically calorie or protein deficiencies.
Q8. The presence of Argemone oil in edible mustard oil is a common form of food adulteration that causes which disease?
Explanation
Epidemic dropsy is a clinical condition caused by the consumption of mustard oil contaminated with Argemone mexicana oil. This adulterant contains the toxin sanguinarine, which damages capillaries and leads to severe edema, cardiac failure, and potential blindness. It is a significant public health concern requiring strict food safety monitoring to prevent accidental or intentional poisoning.
Q9. Under the National Health Mission (NHM), what is the primary role of an ASHA worker?
Explanation
Accredited Social Health Activists are community health workers who serve as the primary link between the rural population and the public healthcare system. They play a vital role in mobilizing the community for immunization, institutional delivery, and family planning.
Q10. Poshan Abhiyan primarily targets the reduction of which of the following conditions in children?
Explanation
Poshan Abhiyan, also known as the National Nutrition Mission, is a flagship program aimed at improving nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. Its specific targets include reducing the prevalence of stunting, underweight, and low birth weight in young children. Additionally, it focuses on decreasing the high rates of anaemia across these vulnerable demographic groups.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) Carbohydrates |
| 2 | (a) Primary energy storage |
| 3 | (c) I and III only |
| 4 | (d) Vitamin C - Ascorbic Acid |
| 5 | (c) Anaemia |
| 6 | (b) Daily intake level sufficient for most healthy people |
| 7 | (d) Obesity |
| 8 | (a) Epidemic Dropsy |
| 9 | (c) Linking the community with the public health system |
| 10 | (d) Stunting, under-nutrition, and anaemia |
Key facts from Human Health, Food, Nutrition and Public Health Programmes
- Carbohydrates are the main source of immediate energy; overnutrition leads to obesity.
- Vitamin C is ascorbic acid; tocopherol (vitamin E) is not part of the Vitamin B complex.
- Iron deficiency most directly leads to anaemia, and anaemia among pregnant women raises the maternal mortality rate.
- The Recommended Dietary Allowance is the daily intake level sufficient for most healthy people.
- Argemone oil in edible mustard oil causes epidemic dropsy.
- An ASHA worker links the community with the public health system under the National Health Mission; Poshan Abhiyan targets stunting, under-nutrition and anaemia.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Human Health, Food, Nutrition and Public Health Programmes?
This page has 151 practice MCQs on Human Health, Food, Nutrition and Public Health Programmes (Health, Environment and Agriculture). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which condition does iron deficiency cause?
Anaemia, a low level of haemoglobin in the blood. It causes weakness and tiredness, and in pregnant women it raises the risk to both mother and child, so iron and folic acid tablets are given under the public health programmes.
What causes epidemic dropsy?
Argemone oil mixed in edible mustard oil as an adulterant. The toxin it contains affects the body and causes swelling, so adulteration of mustard oil has led to outbreaks in India.
What is the role of an ASHA worker?
To link the community with the public health system under the National Health Mission. An ASHA, the Accredited Social Health Activist, is a village-level worker who guides women to institutional delivery and immunisation.