Chapter 1: Introduction to Sports Nutrition
Chapter 2: Nutrients: Ingestion to Energy Metabolism
Chapter 3: Carbohydrates
Chapter 4: Fats
Chapter 5: Proteins
Chapter 6: Vitamins
Chapter 7: Minerals
Chapter 8: Water
Chapter 9: Nutritional Ergogenics
Chapter 10: Nutrition Consultation with Athletes
Chapter 11: Weight Management
Chapter 12: Endurance and Ultra-Endurance Athletes
Chapter 13: Strength/Power Athletes
Chapter 14: Team Sport Athletes
Chapter 15: Special Considerations in Sports Nutrition
,Chapter 1: Introduction to Sports Nutrition
Chapter focus:
Applied sports nutrition, professional scope, evidence-based practice, ethics and safety,
and integration of nutrition into training cycles.
Question 1
A collegiate soccer player reports using a “detox cleanse” promoted by a teammate to
improve performance. As a sports nutrition professional, what is the MOST appropriate
initial response?
A. Support the practice because teammates influence compliance
B. Advise discontinuation based on lack of scientific evidence
C. Encourage short-term use while monitoring performance
D. Recommend adding protein to prevent muscle loss
Answer: B
Rationale:
Chapter 1 emphasizes evidence-based practice over anecdotal advice. Detox cleanses
lack scientific support and may impair energy availability, hydration, and recovery. The
professional’s responsibility is to protect athlete health and performance by
discouraging unsupported practices.
Key words: evidence-based practice, anecdotal nutrition, athlete safety, professional
responsibility
Question 2
Which scenario BEST illustrates the applied nature of sports nutrition rather than
theoretical nutrition science?
,A. Explaining ATP production pathways
B. Teaching nutrient digestion mechanisms
C. Adjusting carbohydrate intake during tournament play
D. Describing micronutrient biochemical roles
Answer: C
Rationale:
Applied sports nutrition translates science into real-world performance strategies.
Adjusting carbohydrate intake based on competition demands exemplifies practical
application, which is central to Chapter 1.
Key words: applied science, performance nutrition, practical application
Question 3
A sports nutritionist working with elite athletes must prioritize which responsibility
ABOVE all others?
A. Maximizing short-term performance
B. Athlete safety and long-term health
C. Meeting sponsor expectations
D. Matching popular nutrition trends
Answer: B
Rationale:
Chapter 1 underscores ethical responsibility and athlete safety. Performance
enhancement must never compromise health or violate ethical standards.
Key words: ethics, athlete safety, professional standards
Question 4
An endurance athlete follows nutrition advice from social media influencers. What
distinguishes evidence-based sports nutrition from anecdotal practices?
,A. Evidence-based advice is always conservative
B. Anecdotal advice is peer-reviewed
C. Evidence-based recommendations rely on systematic research
D. Anecdotal practices are individualized
Answer: C
Rationale:
Evidence-based sports nutrition relies on scientific research, peer-reviewed evidence,
and reproducibility, not personal testimonials or trends.
Key words: evidence-based nutrition, scientific research, anecdotal claims
Question 5
Which factor MOST strongly supports integrating nutrition into training cycles?
A. Nutrition remains constant year-round
B. Training intensity and volume fluctuate
C. Supplements replace dietary needs
D. Energy needs decrease during competition
Answer: B
Rationale:
Training cycles involve varying workloads, requiring periodized nutrition strategies.
Chapter 1 stresses aligning nutrition with training phases.
Key words: periodization, training cycles, nutrition planning
Question 6
A strength athlete seeks rapid muscle gain using extreme caloric surplus. What is the
sports nutrition professional’s BEST response?
A. Support rapid gain for motivation
B. Focus solely on protein intake
,C. Recommend gradual, monitored weight gain
D. Encourage supplement-based calories
Answer: C
Rationale:
Applied sports nutrition balances performance with health and body composition
goals, discouraging extreme approaches that increase fat gain or health risks.
Key words: body composition, ethical practice, performance nutrition
Question 7
Which statement BEST reflects the interdisciplinary nature of sports nutrition practice?
A. Nutrition plans are independent of training plans
B. Nutrition is secondary to physical conditioning
C. Nutrition supports training adaptations and recovery
D. Nutrition replaces coaching strategies
Answer: C
Rationale:
Chapter 1 frames sports nutrition as integrated with training, recovery, and
adaptation, not as an isolated discipline.
Key words: interdisciplinary care, training adaptation, recovery
Question 8
An athlete insists on using a supplement despite limited evidence. What ethical principle
should guide the nutritionist’s decision?
A. Athlete autonomy only
B. Nonmaleficence and informed consent
C. Financial cost-benefit
D. Popularity among peers
, Answer: B
Rationale:
Professionals must avoid harm (nonmaleficence) and ensure athletes understand risks,
benefits, and evidence before decisions.
Key words: ethics, informed consent, athlete protection
Question 9
Why is sports nutrition considered an applied science rather than purely academic?
A. It avoids laboratory research
B. It prioritizes athlete preference
C. It applies scientific evidence to real performance contexts
D. It focuses on supplements
Answer: C
Rationale:
Applied science bridges research and practice, tailoring nutrition strategies to real-
world athletic demands.
Key words: applied science, performance context, evidence translation
Question 10
Which action BEST demonstrates professional scope in sports nutrition?
A. Diagnosing eating disorders
B. Prescribing medications
C. Developing nutrition strategies aligned with training
D. Creating exercise programs
Answer: C