AFAA Nutrition and Weight Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which mineral is critical for muscle contraction and bone health?
- Iron
- Sodium
- Calcium (Correct answer)
- Zinc
Correct answer: Calcium
Calcium is essential for bone mineralization, nerve transmission, and triggering muscle contraction via the troponin-tropomyosin complex.
Question 2: Pre-exercise nutrition should emphasize which macronutrient to optimize performance?
- High fat
- High protein
- High carbohydrate (Correct answer)
- Equal proportions of all three
Correct answer: High carbohydrate
Consuming carbohydrates before exercise tops off muscle glycogen stores and sustains blood glucose for improved endurance and performance.
Question 3: What percentage of daily caloric intake is generally recommended to come from carbohydrates for active individuals?
- 10–20%
- 20–30%
- 45–65% (Correct answer)
- 70–80%
Correct answer: 45–65%
The USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend 45–65% of total calories from carbohydrates for most active adults.
Question 4: Dehydration of as little as what percentage of body weight can impair athletic performance?
- 0.5%
- 1–2% (Correct answer)
- 5%
- 10%
Correct answer: 1–2%
A fluid loss of just 1–2% of body weight can reduce endurance performance, impair cognitive function, and increase perceived effort.
Question 5: Which type of fat is considered most harmful to cardiovascular health?
- Monounsaturated fat
- Polyunsaturated fat
- Trans fat (Correct answer)
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Correct answer: Trans fat
Trans fats raise LDL cholesterol, lower HDL cholesterol, and significantly increase cardiovascular disease risk.
Question 6: Which eating pattern is associated with reduced chronic disease risk and is often recommended in US fitness guidelines?
- High-protein, very-low-carb diet
- Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and healthy fats (Correct answer)
- High-fat, low-fiber diet
- Liquid-only diet
Correct answer: Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and healthy fats
The Mediterranean diet is consistently linked to lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity due to its emphasis on whole foods and healthy fats.
AFAA Nutrition and Weight Management 2
Which mineral is critical for muscle contraction and bone health?