Nutrition, Ergogenic Aids & Performance Enhancement Flashcards

A youth baseball pitcher (age 16) asks about androstenedione supplementation for strength gains. The CCSP's BEST response is:

Answer: Advise against it as it is WADA-banned, may suppress natural testosterone, and is harmful in adolescents

Androstenedione is a WADA-banned prohormone that may disrupt endogenous hormone development in adolescents and is contraindicated in this population.

The concept of 'periodized nutrition' in sport means:

Answer: Matching nutritional intake to the specific demands of each training phase

Periodized nutrition aligns carbohydrate, protein, and caloric intake with training load, phase (base vs. competition), and recovery needs for optimal adaptation.

Which of the following is a legal, evidence-based strategy to enhance hypoxic adaptation during altitude training camps?

Answer: Iron supplementation to support increased erythropoiesis

Iron supplementation is a legal and evidence-based strategy to support the increased erythropoiesis that occurs at altitude, ensuring adequate hemoglobin production.

A distance runner is considering 'train low, compete high' carbohydrate periodization. This strategy aims to:

Answer: Enhance fat oxidation capacity by training with low glycogen, then competing fully fueled

'Train low, compete high' uses glycogen-depleted training sessions to upregulate fat oxidative enzymes, while full carbohydrate loading before competition maximizes race-day performance.

Which vitamin plays a critical role in calcium absorption and bone health, with deficiency being prevalent in indoor and winter sport athletes?

Answer: Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for intestinal calcium absorption and bone mineralization; indoor athletes and those in northern latitudes are at high risk for deficiency.

The ergogenic mechanism of tart cherry juice supplementation in athletes is PRIMARILY attributed to:

Answer: Anthocyanin-mediated reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation, accelerating recovery

Tart cherry juice contains high concentrations of anthocyanins with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, shown to reduce DOMS and accelerate recovery.

A strength athlete reports using a 'fat burner' supplement containing synephrine. The CCSP should be MOST concerned about:

Answer: Cardiovascular risks including elevated heart rate and blood pressure

Synephrine (from bitter orange) is an adrenergic agonist that can raise heart rate and blood pressure, posing cardiovascular risks especially in high doses or combined with caffeine.