ISSA Meal Planning & Supplement Strategies 3

Question 1

A supplement label claims 'proprietary blend – 1,500 mg.' What is the main concern with this labeling practice?

Accepted Answer

Individual ingredient amounts are hidden, making efficacy and safety assessment impossible

Answer

Proprietary blends list only the total dose, not individual ingredient amounts, preventing consumers from verifying effective dosing.

Question 2

For a client in a caloric deficit aiming to preserve lean mass, which macronutrient distribution approach is most supported by evidence?

Accepted Answer

High protein (2.3–3.1 g/kg LBM), moderate carbs, lower fat

Answer

Research supports protein intakes of 2.3–3.1 g/kg of lean body mass during a deficit to preserve muscle tissue.

Question 3

What does the glycemic index (GI) specifically measure?

Accepted Answer

Rate at which blood glucose rises relative to pure glucose after consuming a standard 50 g carbohydrate portion

Answer

GI ranks foods from 0–100 based on how quickly a 50 g carbohydrate portion raises blood glucose compared to a glucose reference.

Question 4

Which omega-3 fatty acids are found directly in fatty fish and are most biologically active in humans?

Accepted Answer

EPA and DHA

Answer

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) from marine sources are the active omega-3s used directly by human cells.

Question 5

A client wants to use intermittent fasting (16:8 protocol) while building muscle. What is the primary nutritional challenge?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty reaching daily protein targets in a compressed eating window

Answer

Condensing sufficient calories and especially protein into an 8-hour window to support hypertrophy can be challenging for many individuals.

(ISSA) International Sports Sciences Association Certified Nutritionist Practice Test