CERTIFIED NUTRITION SPECIALIST (CNS)
Practice Exam 2025 2026[Complete Exam
prep Questions with verified Answers]
1. Which biochemical pathway primarily generates ATP under
anaerobic conditions?
A. Beta-oxidation
B. Electron transport chain
C. Glycolysis
D. Krebs cycle
Glycolysis is the only pathway that can produce ATP without oxygen.
2. Which mineral is most important for thyroid hormone synthesis?
A. Magnesium
B. Selenium
C. Zinc
D. Iodine
Iodine is required for T3/T4 synthesis.
3. Which vitamin is required for collagen synthesis?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin E
C. Vitamin C
D. Vitamin K
Vitamin C is a cofactor for hydroxylation of collagen.
,4. Which lipoprotein carries cholesterol from tissues back to the
liver?
A. VLDL
B. LDL
C. Chylomicrons
D. HDL
HDL performs reverse cholesterol transport.
5. A deficiency of niacin may lead to which condition?
A. Rickets
B. Scurvy
C. Megaloblastic anemia
D. Pellagra
Niacin deficiency causes dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia.
6. Which hormone increases blood glucose by stimulating glycogen
breakdown?
A. Insulin
B. Glucagon
C. Cortisol
D. Leptin
Glucagon triggers glycogenolysis.
7. Which fatty acid is considered essential?
A. Palmitic acid
B. Stearic acid
C. Linoleic acid
D. Oleic acid
Linoleic (omega-6) is essential because it cannot be synthesized.
, 8. Which dietary component provides the greatest thermic effect of
food?
A. Fat
B. Protein
C. Carbohydrate
D. Alcohol
Protein requires the most energy for digestion and metabolism.
9. The primary site of nutrient absorption is the:
A. Stomach
B. Large intestine
C. Small intestine
D. Gallbladder
Most nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine.
10. Which vitamin is most commonly deficient in vegans?
A. Vitamin C
B. Vitamin K
C. Vitamin B12
D. Vitamin E
B12 is only found in animal foods.
11. Which electrolyte is the major intracellular cation?
A. Sodium
B. Calcium
C. Chloride
D. Potassium
Potassium is primarily intracellular.
Practice Exam 2025 2026[Complete Exam
prep Questions with verified Answers]
1. Which biochemical pathway primarily generates ATP under
anaerobic conditions?
A. Beta-oxidation
B. Electron transport chain
C. Glycolysis
D. Krebs cycle
Glycolysis is the only pathway that can produce ATP without oxygen.
2. Which mineral is most important for thyroid hormone synthesis?
A. Magnesium
B. Selenium
C. Zinc
D. Iodine
Iodine is required for T3/T4 synthesis.
3. Which vitamin is required for collagen synthesis?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin E
C. Vitamin C
D. Vitamin K
Vitamin C is a cofactor for hydroxylation of collagen.
,4. Which lipoprotein carries cholesterol from tissues back to the
liver?
A. VLDL
B. LDL
C. Chylomicrons
D. HDL
HDL performs reverse cholesterol transport.
5. A deficiency of niacin may lead to which condition?
A. Rickets
B. Scurvy
C. Megaloblastic anemia
D. Pellagra
Niacin deficiency causes dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia.
6. Which hormone increases blood glucose by stimulating glycogen
breakdown?
A. Insulin
B. Glucagon
C. Cortisol
D. Leptin
Glucagon triggers glycogenolysis.
7. Which fatty acid is considered essential?
A. Palmitic acid
B. Stearic acid
C. Linoleic acid
D. Oleic acid
Linoleic (omega-6) is essential because it cannot be synthesized.
, 8. Which dietary component provides the greatest thermic effect of
food?
A. Fat
B. Protein
C. Carbohydrate
D. Alcohol
Protein requires the most energy for digestion and metabolism.
9. The primary site of nutrient absorption is the:
A. Stomach
B. Large intestine
C. Small intestine
D. Gallbladder
Most nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine.
10. Which vitamin is most commonly deficient in vegans?
A. Vitamin C
B. Vitamin K
C. Vitamin B12
D. Vitamin E
B12 is only found in animal foods.
11. Which electrolyte is the major intracellular cation?
A. Sodium
B. Calcium
C. Chloride
D. Potassium
Potassium is primarily intracellular.
