ACSM Nutrition 5

Question 1

Which type of dietary fiber is MOST effective at lowering LDL cholesterol by binding bile acids in the gastrointestinal tract?

Accepted Answer

Soluble fiber (beta-glucan, pectin)

Answer

Soluble fibers like beta-glucan and pectin form viscous gels that bind bile acids, reducing their reabsorption and forcing the liver to convert more cholesterol into new bile acids.

Question 2

What is the primary nitrogen-excretion mechanism used to assess protein oxidation and nitrogen balance in nutrition research?

Accepted Answer

Urinary urea nitrogen measurement

Answer

Urinary urea nitrogen accounts for approximately 80–85% of total nitrogen excretion and is the standard method to calculate nitrogen balance (intake minus output).

Question 3

A marathon runner is 20 miles into a race and begins experiencing disorientation, muscle cramps, and nausea after consuming only plain water throughout. Which condition is MOST likely?

Accepted Answer

Hyponatremia

Answer

Hyponatremia (serum sodium <135 mEq/L) results from excessive plain water intake diluting sodium; it is a serious and potentially fatal condition in endurance athletes.

Question 4

Which amino acid is considered conditionally essential during periods of intense physiological stress, such as heavy training or trauma?

Accepted Answer

Glutamine

Answer

Glutamine becomes conditionally essential under high physiological stress because endogenous synthesis cannot meet the increased demands of the immune system and rapidly dividing cells.

Question 5

According to ACSM, what is the minimum recommended daily fluid intake from beverages (excluding food moisture) for active adults in temperate climates?

Accepted Answer

2.0–3.0 L/day

Answer

ACSM and the Institute of Medicine recommend approximately 2.0–3.0 L/day from beverages for active adults, with additional intake to compensate for exercise-induced sweat losses.

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Practice Test

ACSM Nutrition 5