Which effect is associated with overnutrition? Decreased risk of obesity Decreased risk of mineral poisoning Increased cognitive function Increased risk of vitamin poisoning
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: Increased risk of vitamin poisoning
Explanation:
Overnutrition occurs when the intake of nutrients and energy exceeds the body’s needs for normal functioning. This condition can lead to several health problems, one of the most significant being vitamin poisoning, also called hypervitaminosis.
Vitamin poisoning happens when fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E, and K are consumed in excessive amounts. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, which are excreted in urine, fat-soluble vitamins are stored in body fat and the liver. When taken in large doses, especially from supplements or fortified foods, they can build up to toxic levels. For example:
- Too much vitamin A can lead to liver damage, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even birth defects in pregnant women.
- Excessive vitamin D can cause calcium to accumulate in the blood, leading to kidney problems and damage to the heart and bones.
Overnutrition does not decrease the risk of obesity. In fact, it increases it, as consuming more calories than the body burns results in weight gain. Obesity is a common consequence of long-term overnutrition and is associated with chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Overnutrition also does not decrease the risk of mineral poisoning. Like vitamins, minerals such as iron or selenium can also reach toxic levels in the body if consumed excessively, especially through supplements.
While proper nutrition supports brain health, overnutrition does not necessarily increase cognitive function. In some cases, excessive consumption of certain foods high in sugar and fat can impair memory and learning due to inflammation and insulin resistance in the brain.
Therefore, the correct effect associated with overnutrition is an increased risk of vitamin poisoning.
