Prepare for the NANP Board Exam. Study with flashcards, multiple choice questions, and comprehensive quizzes. Each question includes hints and detailed explanations. Enhance your readiness for the exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


When referring to the net effect of a food upon the body as alkaline or acidic, which nutrient acts as the primary determining factor according to most authors, even though all play an instrumental role?

  1. Carbohydrates

  2. Fats

  3. Minerals

  4. Proteins

The correct answer is: Carbohydrates

Most authors and experts agree that when determining the net effect of a food upon the body as alkaline or acidic, the primary determining factor is carbohydrates. This is because carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body and are broken down into simple sugars which can then affect the pH balance in the body. Fats and proteins also play a role in this process, but they are not the primary determining factor. Minerals are also important for maintaining a healthy pH balance, but they do not directly impact it as much as carbohydrates do.