CSSD Micronutrient Needs in Athletes

Question 1

Which form of dietary iron has the highest bioavailability in athletes?

Accepted Answer

Heme iron from animal sources

Answer

Non-heme iron from plant sources

Answer

Ferrous sulfate from fortified cereals

Answer

Iron from legumes and seeds

Question 2

What is the primary physiological role of vitamin D relevant to athletic performance?

Accepted Answer

Supporting calcium absorption and muscle protein synthesis

Answer

Reducing blood lactate accumulation during exercise

Answer

Optimizing glycogen storage in muscle

Answer

Directly enhancing maximal aerobic capacity

Question 3

Which serum marker is the most sensitive indicator of iron stores in an athlete?

Accepted Answer

Ferritin

Answer

Hemoglobin

Answer

Serum iron

Answer

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)

Question 4

Female endurance athletes are at elevated risk for iron deficiency primarily due to which combination of factors?

Accepted Answer

Menstrual iron losses, foot-strike hemolysis, and sweat iron losses

Answer

Reduced intestinal iron absorption and high-protein diets

Answer

Low dietary protein and excessive antioxidant supplementation

Answer

Increased hepcidin production and calcium supplementation

Question 5

What is the generally recommended daily calcium intake for adult athletes to support bone health?

Accepted Answer

1000–1300 mg/day

Answer

500–700 mg/day

Answer

800 mg/day

Answer

1600–2000 mg/day

Question 6

Sports anemia (dilutional pseudoanemia) in endurance athletes is best characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Apparent low hemoglobin due to plasma volume expansion with normal iron stores

Answer

Low serum ferritin and low hemoglobin due to iron depletion

Answer

Megaloblastic changes from vitamin B12 deficiency

Answer

Hemolysis from excessive antioxidant supplementation

Question 7

Which component is NOT part of the original Female Athlete Triad as classically defined?

Accepted Answer

Iron deficiency anemia

Answer

Low energy availability

Answer

Menstrual dysfunction

Answer

Low bone mineral density