Self-check Questions

Section 2 – “Guidelines”

You’ve just completed the “Guidelines” section of this module. Before continuing, test your knowledge about the recommended dietary allowances and chemical barriers to folic acid by answering the self-check questions below.  (These questions are for your benefit only—they will not be graded.  Correct answers are given just after the questions.)

1) The Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce has established which of the following RDAs (recommended dietary allowances) for folic acid for any woman between the ages of 19 and 50—even if she is not currently pregnant?

A. 1,000 mcg
B. 400 mcg
C. 100 mcg
D. 40 mcg

2)  Which of the following should include a physician’s consultation in determining how much folic acid she should be consuming daily?

A. Women who have had a previous NTD-affected pregnancy
B. Women with other risk factors (i.e.,Type 1 Diabetes, a seizure disorder
that has been treated with valproic acid or carbamazepine, or a partner or close relative with an NTD)
C. Men
D. A, B and C
E. A and B only

3)  Which of the following common household substances may inhibit folic acid from being absorbed or used by the body?

A. Alcohol
B. Cigarettes (smoking)
C. Artificial sweeteners (i.e., saccharine and aspartame)
D. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (i.e., aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen)
E. Antacids
F. A, B, D and E
G. A, B and D

4) Which of the following medications may inhibit folic acid from being absorbed or used by the body?

A. Anti-anxiety medications, (i.e.,Valium)
B. Oral hypoglycemic agents, used by diabetics
C. Anti-ulcer medications (i.e.,histamine-2 blockers)
D. Folate antagonist medications (i.e.,antiepileptic medications, anticancer medications,          antibiotics or antibacterials)
E. B, C and D
F. A, B, C and D