CNS Sports Nutrition & Exercise Physiology 3

Question 1

The recommended leucine threshold per meal to maximally stimulate muscle protein synthesis in a healthy young adult is approximately:

Accepted Answer

2–3 g leucine

Answer

0.5–1 g leucine

Answer

7–8 g leucine

Answer

Leucine threshold does not exist; total protein is all that matters

Question 2

Which dietary strategy is MOST effective for athletes seeking to reduce body fat while preserving lean muscle mass?

Accepted Answer

Moderate caloric deficit (~300–500 kcal/day) with high protein intake (≥1.8 g/kg) and resistance training

Answer

Severe caloric restriction (>1,000 kcal/day deficit) with high carbohydrate intake

Answer

Eliminating all dietary fat while maintaining training volume

Answer

Prolonged fasting periods alternating with extreme overeating

Question 3

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is used as an ergogenic aid primarily for which type of athletic performance?

Accepted Answer

High-intensity exercise lasting 1–7 minutes where lactic acid accumulation limits performance

Answer

Ultra-endurance events lasting more than 6 hours

Answer

Sports requiring maximal explosive power lasting under 10 seconds

Answer

Precision sports requiring steady hand control

Question 4

A strength and conditioning coach asks a CNS about beta-alanine supplementation. Which response is MOST accurate?

Accepted Answer

Beta-alanine raises muscle carnosine levels, buffering intramuscular acidosis during high-intensity efforts of 1–4 minutes

Answer

Beta-alanine directly increases muscle power output during single-rep maximal lifts

Answer

Beta-alanine is a banned substance prohibited by WADA

Answer

Beta-alanine has no evidence base and should not be recommended

Question 5

An athlete with low bone mineral density is identified during screening. In addition to calcium and vitamin D, which nutritional factor is often overlooked but critical for bone health in athletes?

Accepted Answer

Adequate total energy intake to correct energy deficiency

Answer

High dietary sodium to increase calcium absorption

Answer

Elevated omega-6 fatty acid intake

Answer

Restriction of dietary protein to reduce acid load

Question 6

Which statement about branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation for athletes is MOST consistent with current evidence?

Accepted Answer

BCAA supplements are beneficial primarily when total dietary protein intake is already inadequate

Answer

BCAAs provide superior muscle-building benefits compared to equivalent doses of whey protein

Answer

BCAAs are proven to prevent all forms of exercise-induced muscle damage

Answer

BCAAs significantly enhance aerobic endurance performance in well-trained athletes

Question 7

An elite wrestler needs to compete in a weight class 5 kg below their current weight in 7 days. As a CNS, the MOST appropriate recommendation is:

Accepted Answer

Recommend the athlete compete at their natural weight class and work with the coaching staff to reassess weight class assignment

Answer

Approve rapid weight cutting via severe fluid restriction and diuretics to meet the weight class safely

Answer

Advise a controlled energy deficit with adequate protein, optimizing body composition over weeks rather than days through dangerous rapid cutting

Answer

Prescribe a 48-hour water fast immediately before weigh-in