CERTIFIED SPORTS NUTRITIONIST EXAM
QUESTION AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. The primary role of carbohydrates during high-intensity exercise is to
A. Increase fat oxidation
B. Support muscle repair
C. Provide rapid energy for ATP production
D. Reduce lactic acid buildup
Rationale: Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred fuel during high-
intensity activity because they can be rapidly converted to glucose and
ATP.
2. Which macronutrient provides the highest caloric density per gram?
A. Protein
B. Carbohydrate
C. Fat
D. Alcohol
Rationale: Fat provides 9 kcal per gram, more than carbohydrates or
protein (4 kcal/g).
3. Glycogen is primarily stored in which tissues?
A. Adipose and bone
B. Liver and skeletal muscle
C. Brain and spinal cord
D. Kidneys and pancreas
Rationale: Glycogen is stored mainly in the liver for blood glucose
regulation and muscles for exercise energy.
,4. Which vitamin is most directly involved in calcium absorption for athletes?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin C
C. Vitamin D
D. Vitamin K
Rationale: Vitamin D enhances intestinal calcium absorption, supporting
bone health and muscle function.
5. Branched-chain amino acids include leucine, isoleucine, and
A. Alanine
B. Glutamine
C. Valine
D. Lysine
Rationale: The three BCAAs are leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
6. The recommended protein intake for strength athletes is approximately
A. 0.6 g/kg/day
B. 0.8 g/kg/day
C. 1.6–2.2 g/kg/day
D. 3.5 g/kg/day
Rationale: Strength athletes require higher protein intake to support
muscle repair and growth.
7. Which mineral is lost in the greatest amount through sweat?
A. Potassium
B. Sodium
C. Calcium
D. Iron
Rationale: Sodium is the primary electrolyte lost in sweat and must be
replaced during prolonged exercise.
8. Pre-event meals should ideally be consumed
A. 30 minutes before exercise
B. 1 hour before exercise
C. 3–4 hours before exercise
, D. Immediately after warm-up
Rationale: Eating 3–4 hours before allows digestion and maximizes
glycogen availability.
9. Which type of fat is considered essential?
A. Trans fat
B. Saturated fat
C. Omega-3 fatty acids
D. Cholesterol
Rationale: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential because the body cannot
synthesize them.
10.The glycemic index measures
A. Fat content of food
B. Blood glucose response to carbohydrates
C. Protein digestibility
D. Fiber solubility
Rationale: Glycemic index ranks carbohydrate foods based on their effect
on blood glucose.
11.Dehydration of 2% body weight can lead to
A. Improved endurance
B. Decreased athletic performance
C. Increased VO₂ max
D. Enhanced thermoregulation
Rationale: Even mild dehydration negatively affects performance and
cardiovascular function.
12.Which nutrient is most important for oxygen transport?
A. Calcium
B. Zinc
C. Iron
D. Magnesium
QUESTION AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. The primary role of carbohydrates during high-intensity exercise is to
A. Increase fat oxidation
B. Support muscle repair
C. Provide rapid energy for ATP production
D. Reduce lactic acid buildup
Rationale: Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred fuel during high-
intensity activity because they can be rapidly converted to glucose and
ATP.
2. Which macronutrient provides the highest caloric density per gram?
A. Protein
B. Carbohydrate
C. Fat
D. Alcohol
Rationale: Fat provides 9 kcal per gram, more than carbohydrates or
protein (4 kcal/g).
3. Glycogen is primarily stored in which tissues?
A. Adipose and bone
B. Liver and skeletal muscle
C. Brain and spinal cord
D. Kidneys and pancreas
Rationale: Glycogen is stored mainly in the liver for blood glucose
regulation and muscles for exercise energy.
,4. Which vitamin is most directly involved in calcium absorption for athletes?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin C
C. Vitamin D
D. Vitamin K
Rationale: Vitamin D enhances intestinal calcium absorption, supporting
bone health and muscle function.
5. Branched-chain amino acids include leucine, isoleucine, and
A. Alanine
B. Glutamine
C. Valine
D. Lysine
Rationale: The three BCAAs are leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
6. The recommended protein intake for strength athletes is approximately
A. 0.6 g/kg/day
B. 0.8 g/kg/day
C. 1.6–2.2 g/kg/day
D. 3.5 g/kg/day
Rationale: Strength athletes require higher protein intake to support
muscle repair and growth.
7. Which mineral is lost in the greatest amount through sweat?
A. Potassium
B. Sodium
C. Calcium
D. Iron
Rationale: Sodium is the primary electrolyte lost in sweat and must be
replaced during prolonged exercise.
8. Pre-event meals should ideally be consumed
A. 30 minutes before exercise
B. 1 hour before exercise
C. 3–4 hours before exercise
, D. Immediately after warm-up
Rationale: Eating 3–4 hours before allows digestion and maximizes
glycogen availability.
9. Which type of fat is considered essential?
A. Trans fat
B. Saturated fat
C. Omega-3 fatty acids
D. Cholesterol
Rationale: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential because the body cannot
synthesize them.
10.The glycemic index measures
A. Fat content of food
B. Blood glucose response to carbohydrates
C. Protein digestibility
D. Fiber solubility
Rationale: Glycemic index ranks carbohydrate foods based on their effect
on blood glucose.
11.Dehydration of 2% body weight can lead to
A. Improved endurance
B. Decreased athletic performance
C. Increased VO₂ max
D. Enhanced thermoregulation
Rationale: Even mild dehydration negatively affects performance and
cardiovascular function.
12.Which nutrient is most important for oxygen transport?
A. Calcium
B. Zinc
C. Iron
D. Magnesium
