CCSP Nutrition, Ergogenic Aids & Performance Enhancement 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A youth baseball pitcher (age 16) asks about androstenedione supplementation for strength gains. The CCSP's BEST response is:
- Recommend 50 mg/day as it is natural and safe for adolescents
- Advise against it as it is WADA-banned, may suppress natural testosterone, and is harmful in adolescents (Correct answer)
- Suggest it is equivalent to whey protein
- Approve its use off-season only
Correct answer: Advise against it as it is WADA-banned, may suppress natural testosterone, and is harmful in adolescents
Androstenedione is a WADA-banned prohormone that may disrupt endogenous hormone development in adolescents and is contraindicated in this population.
Question 2: The concept of 'periodized nutrition' in sport means:
- Cycling macronutrients daily regardless of training
- Matching nutritional intake to the specific demands of each training phase (Correct answer)
- Fasting on rest days to maximize fat loss
- Using the same diet year-round for consistency
Correct answer: Matching nutritional intake to the specific demands of each training phase
Periodized nutrition aligns carbohydrate, protein, and caloric intake with training load, phase (base vs. competition), and recovery needs for optimal adaptation.
Question 3: Which of the following is a legal, evidence-based strategy to enhance hypoxic adaptation during altitude training camps?
- Synthetic EPO injection
- Iron supplementation to support increased erythropoiesis (Correct answer)
- Blood transfusion
- Androgen therapy
Correct answer: Iron supplementation to support increased erythropoiesis
Iron supplementation is a legal and evidence-based strategy to support the increased erythropoiesis that occurs at altitude, ensuring adequate hemoglobin production.
Question 4: A distance runner is considering 'train low, compete high' carbohydrate periodization. This strategy aims to:
- Reduce body weight by avoiding all carbohydrates
- Enhance fat oxidation capacity by training with low glycogen, then competing fully fueled (Correct answer)
- Avoid gastrointestinal issues during races
- Reduce reliance on protein for fuel during training
Correct answer: Enhance fat oxidation capacity by training with low glycogen, then competing fully fueled
'Train low, compete high' uses glycogen-depleted training sessions to upregulate fat oxidative enzymes, while full carbohydrate loading before competition maximizes race-day performance.
Question 5: Which vitamin plays a critical role in calcium absorption and bone health, with deficiency being prevalent in indoor and winter sport athletes?
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D (Correct answer)
- Vitamin E
Correct answer: Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for intestinal calcium absorption and bone mineralization; indoor athletes and those in northern latitudes are at high risk for deficiency.
Question 6: The ergogenic mechanism of tart cherry juice supplementation in athletes is PRIMARILY attributed to:
- High carbohydrate content for glycogen loading
- Anthocyanin-mediated reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation, accelerating recovery (Correct answer)
- Caffeine content improving alertness
- Nitrate content similar to beetroot juice
Correct answer: Anthocyanin-mediated reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation, accelerating recovery
Tart cherry juice contains high concentrations of anthocyanins with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, shown to reduce DOMS and accelerate recovery.
Question 7: A strength athlete reports using a 'fat burner' supplement containing synephrine. The CCSP should be MOST concerned about:
- Excessive vitamin toxicity
- Cardiovascular risks including elevated heart rate and blood pressure (Correct answer)
- Renal impairment from excessive protein metabolism
- Interaction with iron supplements
Correct answer: Cardiovascular risks including elevated heart rate and blood pressure
Synephrine (from bitter orange) is an adrenergic agonist that can raise heart rate and blood pressure, posing cardiovascular risks especially in high doses or combined with caffeine.
CCSP Nutrition, Ergogenic Aids & Performance Enhancement 5
A youth baseball pitcher (age 16) asks about androstenedione supplementation for strength gains.
The CCSP's BEST response is: