CFP Nutrition & Health 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is classified as an essential amino acid that must be obtained from the diet?
- Alanine
- Glutamine
- Leucine (Correct answer)
- Tyrosine
Correct answer: Leucine
Leucine is one of nine essential amino acids and is a key stimulator of muscle protein synthesis via the mTOR pathway.
Question 2: A client following a ketogenic diet primarily relies on which substrate for brain and muscle energy after glycogen depletion?
- Free fatty acids
- Ketone bodies (Correct answer)
- Dietary protein
- Glycerol
Correct answer: Ketone bodies
During ketosis, the liver converts fatty acids into ketone bodies (beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate) that serve as an alternative fuel for the brain and muscles.
Question 3: What is the recommended daily intake of sodium for the general adult population according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans?
- Less than 1,000 mg/day
- Less than 1,500 mg/day
- Less than 2,300 mg/day (Correct answer)
- Less than 3,500 mg/day
Correct answer: Less than 2,300 mg/day
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sodium to less than 2,300 mg per day for most adults.
Question 4: Which micronutrient deficiency is most commonly associated with exercise-induced anemia in endurance athletes?
- Zinc
- Iron (Correct answer)
- Calcium
- Magnesium
Correct answer: Iron
Iron is required for hemoglobin synthesis; endurance athletes lose iron through sweat, GI microbleeding, and hemolysis, making deficiency common.
Question 5: Which type of carbohydrate has the highest glycemic index and would be most appropriate for immediate post-exercise glycogen replenishment?
- Brown rice
- White bread
- Pure glucose/dextrose (Correct answer)
- Steel-cut oats
Correct answer: Pure glucose/dextrose
Pure glucose has a glycemic index of 100 and is rapidly absorbed, making it ideal for quickly restoring muscle glycogen after intense exercise.
Question 6: During prolonged aerobic exercise lasting more than 90 minutes, which nutritional strategy is most effective at maintaining performance?
- High-fat snacks every 60 minutes
- 30–60 g of carbohydrate per hour (Correct answer)
- Protein shakes every 30 minutes
- Fasting to promote fat oxidation
Correct answer: 30–60 g of carbohydrate per hour
Current guidelines recommend 30–60 g of carbohydrate per hour during prolonged exercise to spare muscle glycogen and sustain blood glucose.
Question 7: Which vitamin acts as an antioxidant and is involved in collagen synthesis, making it relevant for connective tissue repair after exercise?
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin C (Correct answer)
- Vitamin E
Correct answer: Vitamin C
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a cofactor for prolyl hydroxylase in collagen synthesis and also neutralizes reactive oxygen species.
CFP Nutrition & Health 3
Which of the following is classified as an essential amino acid that must be obtained from the diet?