CNS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CNS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. The Nutrition Screening Initiative (NSI) DETERMINE checklist is used to identify nutritional risk in which population? → Older adults / elderly
2. In functional nutrition, the '5R' gut restoration protocol begins with which step? → Remove
3. Which test is considered the gold standard for assessing whole-body magnesium status in functional nutrition practice? → Red blood cell (RBC) magnesium
4. In Certified Nutrition Specialist Exam, what is the primary purpose of formative assessment? → To monitor progress and provide feedback during the learning or development process
5. In Certified Nutrition Specialist Exam, what does "evidence-based practice" mean? → Integrating best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences
6. Which approach is most effective for mastering metabolic processes in Certified Nutrition Specialist Exam? → Combining theoretical study with practical application and regular review
7. Which adaptogenic herb has the strongest clinical evidence for reducing cortisol levels and improving perceived stress in healthy adults? → Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
8. What is a best practice in Certified Nutrition Specialist Exam macronutrients? → A method or technique recognized as superior based on evidence and expert consensus
9. What is the primary objective of diet planning in Certified Nutrition Specialist Exam? → To ensure competence and proficiency in core diet planning concepts
10. Dehydration causes the release of __________ from the ___________. → antidiuretic hormone; pituitary gland
11. In functional nutrition, a positive secretory IgA (sIgA) result on a comprehensive stool analysis most directly indicates what? → Mucosal immune defense status
12. Pre-formed vitamin A is typically found in what kinds of foods? → Animal products
13. What is a controlled variable in an experiment related to Certified Nutrition Specialist Exam? → A factor that is kept constant throughout the experiment
14. Which approach is most effective for mastering micronutrients in Certified Nutrition Specialist Exam? → Combining theoretical study with practical application and regular review
15. What is the primary cause of the reduced vitamin B12 absorption commonly seen in older adults, often requiring supplementation with crystalline B12? → Atrophic gastritis reducing intrinsic factor and gastric acid
16. Which mineral's requirement increases dramatically in pregnancy from 18 mg/day to 27 mg/day due to expanded blood volume and fetal demands? → Iron
17. What is the relationship between theory and practice in Certified Nutrition Specialist Exam metabolic processes? → Theory provides the foundation and framework that guides effective practical application
18. Folate is needed for which of the following types of reactions in the body? → Single-carbon transfer reactions
19. What is the primary objective of micronutrients in Certified Nutrition Specialist Exam? → To ensure competence and proficiency in core micronutrients concepts
20. In Certified Nutrition Specialist Exam, why is micronutrients knowledge important for professional certification? → It demonstrates competence and ensures practitioners meet established standards
21. During the second trimester of pregnancy, the recommended additional energy intake above pre-pregnancy needs is approximately how many kcal/day? → 340 kcal/day
22. Which type of assessment in Certified Nutrition Specialist Exam compares an individual's performance to a predetermined standard? → Criterion-referenced assessment
23. When supplementing with zinc at therapeutic doses (>25 mg/day) for an extended period, which mineral interaction warrants routine monitoring? → Copper
24. What is a best practice in Certified Nutrition Specialist Exam diet planning? → A method or technique recognized as superior based on evidence and expert consensus
25. In functional nutrition, 'leaky gut' is clinically described as increased intestinal permeability, most often assessed using which biomarker? → Zonulin
26. Which dietary pattern is most frequently recommended in functional nutrition for reducing systemic inflammation and modulating the gut microbiome? → Mediterranean diet
27. In Certified Nutrition Specialist Exam, what is the primary purpose of patient assessment in sports nutrition? → To gather comprehensive information about the patient's condition to guide care decisions
28. In a functional nutrition assessment, an organic acids test (OAT) finding of elevated 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) indicates increased levels of what? → Oxidative DNA damage
29. Carnitine transports _______________ across biological membranes. → fatty acids
30. In Certified Nutrition Specialist Exam, what is the primary purpose of patient assessment in nutritional counseling? → To gather comprehensive information about the patient's condition to guide care decisions