NTP Sports & Performance Nutrition 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which fatty acid type is most effective at reducing exercise-induced inflammation post-workout?
- Omega-6 (linoleic acid)
- Omega-3 (EPA and DHA) (Correct answer)
- Saturated (palmitic acid)
- Trans fatty acids
Correct answer: Omega-3 (EPA and DHA)
EPA and DHA (omega-3s) modulate prostaglandin synthesis, reducing inflammatory signaling triggered by intense exercise.
Question 2: An athlete reports cramping despite adequate sodium intake. Which electrolyte deficiency should an NTP investigate next?
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium (Correct answer)
- Chromium
- Selenium
Correct answer: Magnesium
Magnesium is essential for muscle relaxation and is commonly depleted through sweat, making it a primary suspect in cramping beyond sodium.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of the phosphocreatine (PCr) system during maximal sprinting?
- Provide sustained aerobic energy for 30+ minutes
- Rapidly regenerate ATP for 1–10 seconds of explosive effort (Correct answer)
- Convert lactate back to glucose during effort
- Oxidize fatty acids for muscle fuel
Correct answer: Rapidly regenerate ATP for 1–10 seconds of explosive effort
Phosphocreatine donates its phosphate group to ADP to rapidly restore ATP, powering maximal efforts lasting roughly 1–10 seconds.
Question 4: A female endurance athlete with low energy availability is at risk for which triad component beyond bone stress injury and menstrual dysfunction?
- Hyperinsulinemia
- Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) (Correct answer)
- Vitamin D toxicity
- Hypernatremia
Correct answer: Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S)
RED-S (formerly Female Athlete Triad) describes the systemic consequences of chronic low energy availability affecting multiple physiological systems.
Question 5: Which carbohydrate strategy best supports a 90-minute high-intensity soccer match?
- Fasted play with fat adaptation
- High-fat meal 30 minutes before kickoff
- Carbohydrate loading 24–48 hours prior plus intra-match glucose/fructose (Correct answer)
- Protein bolus immediately pre-game
Correct answer: Carbohydrate loading 24–48 hours prior plus intra-match glucose/fructose
Glycogen loading before and mixed glucose/fructose during a 90-minute match maximizes fuel availability and oxidation rates.
Question 6: How does heat stress alter an athlete's nutritional requirements?
- Decreases sodium needs due to renal retention
- Increases electrolyte and fluid losses, raising replacement needs (Correct answer)
- Reduces carbohydrate oxidation rate
- Eliminates the need for protein post-exercise
Correct answer: Increases electrolyte and fluid losses, raising replacement needs
Heat stress substantially increases sweat rate and electrolyte loss, particularly sodium and chloride, requiring greater intake to maintain homeostasis.
Question 7: From an NTP perspective, why might a high-fructose diet impair athletic performance over time?
- Fructose directly inhibits ATP synthase
- Fructose is preferentially metabolized in the liver and does not replenish muscle glycogen efficiently (Correct answer)
- Fructose elevates aldosterone, causing fluid loss
- Fructose suppresses cortisol recovery post-exercise
Correct answer: Fructose is preferentially metabolized in the liver and does not replenish muscle glycogen efficiently
Unlike glucose, fructose is primarily metabolized hepatically and contributes minimally to skeletal muscle glycogen, limiting exercise fuel stores.
NTP Sports & Performance Nutrition 2
Which fatty acid type is most effective at reducing exercise-induced inflammation post-workout?