CCSP Nutrition, Ergogenic Aids & Performance Enhancement 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which WADA-banned substance class includes peptide hormones such as erythropoietin (EPO)?
- S1 Anabolic agents
- S2 Peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances (Correct answer)
- S3 Beta-2 agonists
- S4 Hormone and metabolic modulators
Correct answer: S2 Peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances
EPO falls under WADA Section S2 (Peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances and mimetics), which is prohibited at all times.
Question 2: The 'female athlete triad' consists of energy deficiency, menstrual dysfunction, and:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Low bone mineral density (Correct answer)
- Disordered eating only
- Relative energy deficiency syndrome
Correct answer: Low bone mineral density
The classic female athlete triad consists of low energy availability (with or without disordered eating), menstrual dysfunction, and low bone mineral density.
Question 3: Which amino acid is the primary precursor for nitric oxide synthesis and may improve exercise performance via vasodilation?
- Glutamine
- L-arginine (Correct answer)
- Tryptophan
- Lysine
Correct answer: L-arginine
L-arginine is the primary substrate for nitric oxide synthase, and its supplementation may enhance blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles.
Question 4: A marathon runner complains of fatigue and poor performance. Serum ferritin is 8 ng/mL. The MOST likely diagnosis affecting performance is:
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Iron depletion without anemia (stage 2) (Correct answer)
- Overtraining syndrome
- B12 deficiency
Correct answer: Iron depletion without anemia (stage 2)
Ferritin of 8 ng/mL indicates stage 2 iron depletion (iron-deficient erythropoiesis) without frank anemia, which still impairs endurance performance.
Question 5: Which dietary fat is most associated with reducing cardiovascular disease risk and has documented anti-inflammatory properties relevant to athletic recovery?
- Saturated fat (palmitic acid)
- Trans fat
- Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) (Correct answer)
- Omega-6 fatty acids (arachidonic acid)
Correct answer: Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA)
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), found in fatty fish and fish oil, reduce pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and are associated with cardiovascular and recovery benefits.
Question 6: Caffeine is believed to enhance endurance performance primarily through which mechanism?
- Increased glycogen synthesis
- Adenosine receptor antagonism reducing perceived effort (Correct answer)
- Direct stimulation of beta-oxidation
- Increased acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction
Correct answer: Adenosine receptor antagonism reducing perceived effort
Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, reducing perceived exertion and pain, which allows athletes to maintain higher intensities longer.
Question 7: Which ergogenic aid is classified as a 'conditionally essential' amino acid that supports immune function and gut integrity in overtrained athletes?
- Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)
- Glutamine (Correct answer)
- Taurine
- Methionine
Correct answer: Glutamine
Glutamine becomes conditionally essential during high training loads; it fuels enterocytes and immune cells (lymphocytes, macrophages), helping maintain gut integrity and immunity.
CCSP Nutrition, Ergogenic Aids & Performance Enhancement 3
Which WADA-banned substance class includes peptide hormones such as erythropoietin (EPO)?