Food and Nutrition: Practice Questions

Which vitamin is fat-soluble and plays a vital role in blood clotting?

An athlete consumes a recovery meal containing 80g of carbohydrates, 20g of protein, and 10g of fat. Calculate the total energy content and the percentage of energy derived from fat.

An athlete is choosing between an isotonic and a hypertonic sports drink. In which situation would the hypertonic drink be least effective compared to the isotonic one?

Which of the following is considered a macronutrient that provides the primary source of energy for high-intensity muscular contractions?

Which of the following is the most appropriate nutritional strategy for a 10km runner 45 minutes before the race to avoid gastrointestinal distress while maintaining blood glucose?

Why is consuming low glycemic index (GI) carbohydrates recommended for an endurance athlete approximately 2 to 3 hours before a marathon?

Explain the physiological significance of the protein-sparing action of dietary carbohydrates for an athlete undergoing intense endurance training and how it affects tissue repair.

(a) Briefly explain the primary function of carbohydrates in a marathon runner's diet. (1 point)

(b) Describe the process of carbohydrate loading and identify one potential side effect of this technique. (3 points)

Hydration strategies are vital for maintaining physiological function during endurance events.

(a) Explain the difference in osmolality between isotonic and hypotonic sports drinks and identify which is generally absorbed faster by the body. (2 points)
(b) Describe two potential symptoms of hyponatremia that could occur if an athlete over-hydrates with plain water during a long-distance race. (2 points)