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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 16 marks · about 18 minutes

Balanced Diet and Nutrients Practice Questions

Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.

These questions test your knowledge of nutrients, their roles, food sources, and what happens when they are missing from the diet.

Before you open the answers

  • Attempt every question without notes.
  • Show working for calculations and write complete biological statements.
  • Use the suggested time as a guide, not a strict limit on the first attempt.

These are original practice questions. They do not reproduce an official Cambridge paper or official mark scheme.

  1. Question 1

    Paper 2 Both 4 marks Difficulty 2/5

    Name four components of a balanced diet (other than water) and state one function of each.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Carbohydrates: provide energy for cellular activities.
    2. Proteins: needed for growth and repair of tissues.
    3. Lipids/fats: provide energy, insulation, and protect organs.
    4. Vitamins (or minerals, fibre): e.g. Vitamin C prevents scurvy; fibre prevents constipation.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Both 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    State the deficiency disease caused by lack of (a) vitamin C, (b) vitamin D, and (c) iron.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. (a) Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy: symptoms include bleeding gums, weakness.
    2. (b) Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets: soft/weak bones in children.
    3. (c) Iron deficiency causes anaemia: fatigue, reduced oxygen transport.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain why a pregnant woman needs more protein and iron in her diet than usual.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. More protein is needed for growth of the fetus / building new tissues and organs.
    2. More iron is needed to make extra haemoglobin for the increased blood volume.
    3. The fetus also needs iron for its own developing blood supply.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 1/5

    State the function of dietary fibre (roughage) in the human diet.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Fibre adds bulk to food and stimulates peristalsis in the intestines.
    2. Prevents constipation and may reduce the risk of bowel disease.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Extended 4 marks Difficulty 4/5

    Explain the health consequences of a diet that is too high in saturated fats and sugars over a long period.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Excess saturated fat leads to build-up of cholesterol in artery walls (atherosclerosis).
    2. This narrows arteries, increasing the risk of coronary heart disease / heart attack / stroke.
    3. Excess sugar leads to obesity if energy intake exceeds energy use.
    4. Obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Mark the set consistently

Award a point only when the idea is clearly present in the written answer. Correct any missed point in a complete sentence, then test the same skill on a different question several days later.

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