Cracking Community Medicine Spotters-Module 3 & 4: Nutrition-I & Nutrition-II

Cracking Community Medicine Spotters-Module 3 & 4: Nutrition-I & Nutrition-II

Dr. Surya Parajuli
Dr. Surya Parajuli 14 Jan 2026

SEMESTER I

Module 3 & 4: Nutrition-I & Nutrition-II

Spotter 1

Rice

WEIGHTLOSS & FITNESS EXPERT | Ever wonder why uncooked rice seems to have  more calories than cooked rice? It's all about water weight! Uncooked Rice:  100g of dry rice... | Instagram

1. Mention the nutritional composition per 100 g of the given food item. (1)
(per 100 g uncooked rice):

Macronutrients

  • Carbohydrates: ~78 g

  • Protein: ~7 g

  • Fat: ~0.5 g

  • Energy (Calories): ~345 kcal

Micronutrients

  • Calcium: ~10 mg

  • Iron: ~1 mg

  • Phosphorus: ~160 mg

  • Magnesium: ~35 mg

  • Potassium: ~115 mg

  • Thiamine (Vitamin B₁): ~0.07 mg

  • Riboflavin (Vitamin B₂): ~0.02 mg

  • Niacin (Vitamin B₃): ~1.6 mg

2. Enlist four diseases associated with its deficiency. (1)
Marasmus

Kwashiorkor

Underweight

Growth retardation (in children)

#other possible question number 2 will be...........

Spotter 2

Rice

WEIGHTLOSS & FITNESS EXPERT | Ever wonder why uncooked rice seems to have  more calories than cooked rice? It's all about water weight! Uncooked Rice:  100g of dry rice... | Instagram

1. Mention the nutritional composition per 100 g of the given food item. (1)
(per 100 g uncooked rice):

Macronutrients

  • Carbohydrates: ~78 g

  • Protein: ~7 g

  • Fat: ~0.5 g

  • Energy (Calories): ~345 kcal

Micronutrients

  • Calcium: ~10 mg

  • Iron: ~1 mg

  • Phosphorus: ~160 mg

  • Magnesium: ~35 mg

  • Potassium: ~115 mg

  • Thiamine (Vitamin B₁): ~0.07 mg

  • Riboflavin (Vitamin B₂): ~0.02 mg

  • Niacin (Vitamin B₃): ~1.6 mg

2. What is the clinical significance of polished rice? (1)
Polished rice has reduced nutritional value due to loss of the bran and germ, leading to deficiency of B-complex vitamins (especially thiamine) and minerals. It also has a higher glycemic index compared to unpolished (brown) rice, increasing the risk of beriberi, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and other chronic diseases.

Spotter 3

Pulse

Green Gram Dal - Yellow, Splited Natural Dried Pulse | 100% Purity, Very  Good Quality, Good For Health at Best Price in Gadag | Suvijay Industries

1. Mention the nutritional composition per 100 g of the given food item. (1)
(per 100 g, dry pulses):

Macronutrients

  • Carbohydrates: ~60 g

  • Protein: ~22 g

  • Fat: ~1.5 g

  • Energy (Calories): ~340 kcal

Micronutrients

  • Calcium: ~75 mg

  • Iron: ~5 mg

  • Phosphorus: ~300 mg

  • Magnesium: ~130 mg

  • Potassium: ~700 mg

  • Thiamine (Vitamin B₁): ~0.5 mg

  • Riboflavin (Vitamin B₂): ~0.2 mg

  • Niacin (Vitamin B₃): ~2 mg

  • Folic acid: ~200 µg

2. Write down the prevalent nutritional deficiency disorders in Nepal. (1)

  • Iron deficiency anemia

  • Night blindness

  • Goiter

  • Zinc deficiency

  • Rickets / Osteomalacia

Spotter 4

1. List four major differences between Kwashiorkor and Marasmus. (2)

Feature

Marasmus

Kwashiorkor

Primary deficiency

Severe deficiency of total calories (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins)

Predominant protein deficiency with relatively adequate calories

Body appearance

Severe wasting with marked loss of muscle and fat

Edema present, often masking weight loss

Edema

Absent

Present (face, limbs, abdomen)

Appetite

Good / voracious

Poor or absent

Spotter 5

Do Egg Sizes *Really* Matter in Recipes? - PureWow

1 hen egg (approx. 50 g)

1. Mention the nutritional composition of 1 hen egg (approx. 50 g). (1)

Macronutrients

  • Protein: ~6–7 g

  • Fat: ~5–6 g

  • Carbohydrates: ~0.5 g

  • Energy (Calories): ~78 kcal

Micronutrients

  • Calcium: ~25 mg

  • Iron: ~1 mg

  • Phosphorus: ~100 mg

  • Vitamin A: ~70 µg

  • Thiamine (Vitamin B₁): ~0.02 mg

  • Riboflavin (Vitamin B₂): ~0.23 mg

  • Vitamin B₁₂: ~0.55 µg

2. Why is egg called a reference protein? (1)
A hen egg is called a reference protein because it contains all nine essential amino acids in proportions that closely match human requirements and has high digestibility, making it the standard for comparing protein quality in other foods.

Spotter 6

Buy White Soyabean (सेतो भट्मास) at Best Price In NepalSoyabean

1. Mention the nutritional composition per 100 g of the given food item: Soyabean. (1)

Macronutrients

  • Protein: ~36–40 g

  • Carbohydrates: ~30 g

  • Fat: ~20 g

  • Energy (Calories): ~430 kcal

Micronutrients

  • Calcium: ~277 mg

  • Iron: ~15 mg

  • Phosphorus: ~704 mg

  • Magnesium: ~280 mg

  • Potassium: ~1800 mg

  • Sodium: ~2 mg

  • Thiamine (Vitamin B₁): ~0.87 mg

  • Riboflavin (Vitamin B₂): ~0.87 mg

  • Niacin (Vitamin B₃): ~1.6 mg

  • Folate: ~375 µg

2. List all seven methods of nutritional status assessment. (1)

  1. Anthropometry – measurement of body size, weight, and proportions

  2. Biochemical investigations – lab tests for nutrient levels in blood, urine, or tissues

  3. Clinical examination – physical signs of nutrient deficiencies or excesses

  4. Assessment of dietary intake – food surveys, 24-hour recall, or food frequency questionnaires

  5. Ecological studies – population-level assessment using food supply or consumption data

  6. Functional assessment – tests of physical or cognitive performance related to nutrition

  7. Vital and health statistics – use of morbidity, mortality, and growth trends to assess nutritional status

Spotter 7

Balanced Diet - Radiant Readers Academy

1. Define balanced diet. (1)
A balanced diet is a diet that contains different types of foods providing all the essential nutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water—in the right proportions to meet the daily requirements of the body.

2. Define micro and macro nutrients. (1)
Micronutrients: Vitamins and minerals required in small amounts, ranging from a fraction of a milligram to several grams, essential for growth, development, and metabolism.

Macronutrients: Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, also called proximate principles, which form the main bulk of food and provide energy and structural components for the body.

Spotter 8

It's IFA Tablet: Effective Treatment for Iron Deficiency Anemia

1. Mention the composition of adult IFA (Iron-Folic Acid) tablets. (1)
Answer:

  • Iron: 100 mg

  • Folic acid: 500 µg

2. Which trimester is recommended for iron supplementation in a pregnant woman? (1)
Answer:

  • 2nd trimester

Spotter 9

1. Define protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). (1)
Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is a spectrum of conditions caused by insufficient intake or absorption of protein and/or calories, leading to deficits that impair growth, development, and bodily functions. It manifests as:

  • Wasting – Marasmus

  • Swelling (edema) – Kwashiorkor

  • Or a combination – Marasmic Kwashiorkor

2. List the major types of protein-energy malnutrition. (1)
Marasmus

Kwashiorkor

Marasmic Kwashiorkor

Spotter 10

Kwashiorkor - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

1. Identify the spotter. (0.5)
Kwashiorkor

2. Define the given condition. (1.5)
Kwashiorkor is a severe form of protein-energy malnutrition caused by a drastic lack of protein, even when calorie intake may be adequate. It leads to:

  • Edema (swelling of the belly, limbs, and face)

  • Muscle wasting

  • Fatigue and irritability

  • Skin and hair changes (depigmentation, thin brittle hair)

  • Weakened immune system

It primarily affects young children in famine-stricken or low-protein diet regions.

Spotter 11

Man with severe goiter | Stock Image - Science Source Images

1. Write the name of the clinical condition. (0.5)
Goitre

2. Enlist three preventive measures for this condition. (1.5)

  1. Dietary & Nutrient Focus:

    • Use iodized salt

    • Consume iodine-rich foods like seafood, dairy products, and seaweed

    • Ensure adequate selenium and zinc intake

  2. Avoid goitrogenic foods in excess:

    • Foods like cabbage, cauliflower, and cassava can interfere with iodine uptake

  3. Lifestyle and Public Health Measures:

    • Maintain healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management

    • Participate in iodine supplementation programs where available

Spotter 12

3,000+ Goitre Disease Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images - iStock

1. Write the name of the given condition. (0.5)

Goiter

2. Mention four major sources of the required micronutrient (iodine) for the above case. (1.5)

Seaweed

Seafood

Dairy products and eggs

Iodized salt

Spotter 13

Xerophthalmia: ▪️Ocular manifestations of vitamin A deficiency include not  only the structural changes affecting the conjunctiva, cornea and retina  but also biophysical disorders of retinal rods and cone function. ▪️Vitamin  A deficiency,

1. Write the name of the clinical condition. (0.5)
Xerophthalmia

2. Write WHO Classification of Xerophthalmia. (1.5)

  1. Night blindness (XN)

  2. Conjunctival xerosis (X1A)

  3. Bitot’s spot (X1B)

  4. Corneal xerosis (X2)

  5. Corneal ulceration (<1/3 of cornea) (X3A)

  6. Corneal ulceration (>1/3 of cornea) (X3B)

  7. Corneal scarring (XS)

  8. Xerophthalmia fundus (XF)

Spotter 14

SmartHeart Analog Body Weight Scale | Mechanical Nepal | Ubuy

1. Identify the instrument. (0.5)
Weighing scale/Bathroom Scale

2. What is its use? (0.5)
To measure body weight


3. Calculate your own BMI. (1)
Formula: BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height (m)²

Example: If weight = 60 kg and height = 1.65 m:

  • BMI=601.652=602.7225≈22.0 kg/m²BMI = \frac{60}{1.65^2} = \frac{60}{2.7225} \approx 22.0 \, \text{kg/m²}BMI=1.65260​=2.722560​≈22.0kg/m²

  • Interpretation (WHO classification):

    • <18.5 → Underweight

    • 18.5–24.9 → Normal

    • 25–29.9 → Overweight

    • ≥30 → Obese

Spotter 15

spastic paraplegia | CHS-SACHETAN

1. Which toxin is associated with Lathyrism? (0.5)
β-ODAP (BOAA) – beta-N-oxalyl-L-alpha, beta-diaminopropionic acid

2. List three interventions for the above condition. (1.5)

  1. Reduce consumption of Lathyrus sativus (grass pea)

  2. High-protein diet to support recovery

  3. Physiotherapy to manage and improve muscle function

Spotter 16

Marasmus Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Treatment - Jotscroll

1. Write the name of the given condition. (0.5)
Marasmus

2. List all seven methods of nutritional status assessment. (1.5)

  1. Anthropometry – measurement of body size, weight, and proportions

  2. Biochemical investigations – lab tests for nutrient levels in blood, urine, or tissues

  3. Clinical examination – physical signs of nutrient deficiencies or excesses

  4. Assessment of dietary intake – 24-hour recall, food frequency questionnaires, or food surveys

  5. Ecological studies – population-level assessment using food supply or consumption data

  6. Functional assessment – tests of physical or cognitive performance related to nutrition

  7. Vital and health statistics – using morbidity, mortality, and growth trends to assess nutritional status

Spotter 17

How to Use MUAC Tape to Measure Mid Upper Arm Circumference – NutriActiva

1. Mention the name of the method used in this picture and its interpretation. (1)
Method: Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC)

  • Interpretation:

    • Green (≥12.5 cm): Well-nourished

    • Yellow (11.5–12.5 cm): Moderate malnutrition (needs support)

    • Red (<11.5 cm): Severe acute malnutrition (requires urgent treatment)

2. Enlist other four anthropometric measurements of nutritional status for a child. (1)

  1. Height / Length

  2. Weight

  3. Body Mass Index (BMI)

  4. Head and Chest Circumference

Spotter 18

Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tapes guidelines | UNICEF Indonesia

1. Identify the measuring tape in the given picture. (0.5)
Sakir tape

2. Write the value for green, yellow, and red color in the tape. (1.5)

  • Green: ≥ 12.5 cm → Normal / Well-nourished

  • Yellow: 11.5–12.5 cm → Moderate acute malnutrition (needs support)

  • Red: < 11.5 cm → Severe acute malnutrition (requires urgent treatment)

Spotter 19

1. Enlist four major sources of iron. (1)

  1. Red meat, poultry, and seafood (heme iron – easily absorbed)

  2. Legumes (beans, lentils)

  3. Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale)

  4. Nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and fortified cereals

2. Mention four common causes of iron deficiency anemia in Nepal. (1)

  1. Inadequate intake of iron-rich foods

  2. Hookworm infestation

  3. Pregnancy (increased iron requirement)

  4. Chronic blood loss

Spotter 20

1. What are the common causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Nepal? (1)

  • Inadequate intake of iron-rich foods

  • Hookworm infestation

  • Pregnancy (increased iron requirement)

  • Chronic blood loss

2. Write down the prevalent nutritional deficiency disorders in Nepal. (1)

  • Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM)

  • Night blindness (Vitamin A deficiency)

  • Iron deficiency anemia

  • Iodine deficiency (Goiter)

Spotter 21

1. Enlist four sources of vitamin A. (1)
Plant sources: Green leafy vegetables, carrots

Animal sources: Meat, fish

2. What is Preformed Vitamin A and Provitamin A? (1)

  • Preformed Vitamin A: Retinol and retinoic acid found in animal foods such as dairy products, fish, and meat (especially liver).

  • Provitamin A: Beta-carotene, a substance from plant sources (like carrots and green vegetables) that can be converted by the body into vitamin A.

Spotter 22

Nutritional rickets in immigrant and refugee children | Public Health  Reviews

1. Enlist any two bony deformities which characterize this disease (Rickets). (0.5)

  • Bowing of legs

  • Rachitic rosary

2. Mention two nutritional forms of the vitamin, the deficiency of which causes the disease. (0.5)

  • Vitamin D₂ (ergocalciferol)

  • Vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol)

3. Enumerate two preventive measures of it. (1)

  1. Sunlight exposure (to stimulate vitamin D synthesis)

  2. Vitamin D supplements and dietary calcium

Spotter 23

Nutrition : Zinc Deficiency In Children : Zinc Deficiency In Children  Patient Education : Diseases and Conditions | Pediatric Oncall

1. Identify the picture and comment on its cause. (1)

  • Condition: Rashes due to zinc deficiency

  • Cause: Insufficient intake or absorption of zinc, leading to skin lesions, delayed wound healing, growth retardation, and impaired immune function.

2. Mention the daily requirement of this element in adults, children, and infants. (1)

  • Adult men: 12 mg/day

  • Adult women: 10 mg/day

  • Children: 10 mg/day

  • Infants: 5 mg/day

Spotter 24

1. Write two milk-borne bacterial diseases. (1)

  1. Infectious diarrhoea – caused by E. coli

  2. Food poisoning – caused by Staphylococcus aureus

2. Write the full form of SNF. (0.5)
SNF: Solid-Not-Fat

3. Enlist two common methods of pasteurization of milk. (0.5)

  1. Low Temperature Long Time (LTLT) method: 63°C for 30 minutes

  2. High Temperature Short Time (HTST) method: 72°C for 15 seconds

  3. (Optional/Additional) Ultra High Temperature (UHT) method: 135–150°C for 1–4 seconds

Spotter 25

ChatGPT said:

1. How many servings of fruits and vegetables per day are required for an adult? (0.5)
5 servings/day (2 fruits + 3 vegetables)

2. What are the nutrients rich in green vegetables? (1)
Vitamins: A, B9 (folate), C, K

Minerals: Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium

Others: Dietary fiber and antioxidants

3. What are the nutrients lacking in green vegetables? (0.5)
Macronutrients: Energy, Protein, Fats

Vitamins: B12, D

Minerals: Zinc