Macronutrient Science Flashcards

A client is experiencing constipation and is seeking dietary advice. Which of the following macronutrient components would be most beneficial to increase?

Answer: Insoluble Fiber

Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool and attracts water, which softens it, making it easier to pass. This helps promote bowel health and regularity, directly addressing constipation. While soluble fiber is also important for digestion, insoluble fiber is particularly effective for constipation relief.

Which of the following is the primary driver of Muscle Protein Synthesis (MPS) after a resistance training session?

Answer: The presence of essential amino acids, particularly leucine

Essential amino acids (EAAs) are necessary to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Among the EAAs, leucine is considered the primary trigger for the MPS response to protein ingestion and resistance exercise. While timing and overall meal composition are factors, the presence of sufficient leucine is the most critical element for maximizing MPS.

A client's diet plan includes watermelon, which has a high Glycemic Index (GI). Why might this not be a concern for their blood sugar management?

Answer: Watermelon has a low Glycemic Load (GL).

The Glycemic Load (GL) accounts for both the GI of a food and the amount of carbohydrates in a typical serving. Watermelon has a high GI but a low amount of carbohydrates per serving, resulting in a low GL. This means it will not have a significant impact on blood sugar levels when consumed in a normal portion size.

What is the primary role of dietary fat in relation to hormone regulation?

Answer: It acts as a building block for steroid hormones like testosterone and estrogen.

Dietary fats, and specifically cholesterol derived from them, are essential precursors for the synthesis of steroid hormones, which include sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Inadequate fat intake can disrupt the production of these vital hormones.

When calculating a client's Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE), which component accounts for the calories burned during the digestion, absorption, and metabolism of food?

Answer: Thermic Effect of Food (TEF)

The Thermic Effect of Food (TEF), also known as diet-induced thermogenesis, is the energy expended by the body to process food. It typically accounts for about 10% of TDEE, with protein having the highest thermic effect compared to carbohydrates and fats.

A client who is an endurance athlete wants to optimize their glycogen stores for a race. Which type of macronutrient should be the primary focus of their pre-race meal?

Answer: Carbohydrates, for glycogen synthesis

Carbohydrates are the body's preferred source of energy and are stored in the muscles and liver as glycogen. Consuming adequate carbohydrates before an endurance event is crucial for maximizing glycogen stores, which provides a readily available fuel source during prolonged activity.