Question 1

Which is the correct definition for antioxidants?&#10;A) Highly reactive chemical species that can damage cellular components, resulting in cell injury or death.&#10;B) Substances that decrease free radical damage by donating an electron to 'neutralise' free radicals.&#10;C) Reactive Oxygen species that decrease oxidative damage in muscle cells.&#10;D) Substances that increase free radical damage by donating an electron to 'neutralise' free radicals.&#10;E) A term of foods such as fruits, vegetables and nuts that share similar properties.

Accepted Answer

Antioxidants are substances that can donate an electron to free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that can damage cellular components. By neutralizing these free radicals, antioxidants help to decrease oxidative damage and prevent cell injury or death. This is why they are often touted for their health benefits and found in many foods such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Choice A is incorrect because highly reactive chemical species do damage cellular components and cause cell injury or death, but they are not antioxidants. Choice C is incorrect because reactive oxygen species are not antioxidants; they are actually a type of free radicals. Choice D is incorrect because substances that increase free radical damage are called pro-oxidants, not antioxidants. Choice E is incorrect because although fruits, vegetables, and nuts are often referred to as antioxidant-rich foods, this does not provide a specific definition for antioxidants.

Question 2

A deficiency in which nutrients is associated with stress fractures?&#10;A) Iron and Zinc.&#10;B) Magnesium and Potassium.&#10;C) Zinc and Vitamin C&#10;D) Calcium and Vitamin&#10;E) Sodium and Potassium.

Accepted Answer

Calcium and Vitamin D are essential for bone health and deficiency in these nutrients is strongly associated with stress fractures. The other options are also important for overall health and performance but are less directly linked to stress fractures.

Question 3

Select the true statement:&#10;A) A physically fit person eating a nutritionally adequate diet can improve their performance by eating more vitamins and minerals.&#10;B) Vitamins provide the body with energy (kilojoules/calories).&#10;C) Women who are menstruating have higher iron needs than men.&#10;D) All athletes should take a multi-vitamin supplement as an 'insurance policy' against deficiency.&#10;E) All athletes should take an anti-oxidant supplement to enhance recovery from training.

Accepted Answer

Women who are menstruating lose iron each month and therefore require more iron in their diet than men. This is because iron is lost during menstruation. The other statements are false. Vitamins do not provide energy, athletes do not need to take a multi-vitamin supplement if they are already meeting their nutrient needs through their diet, and there is no evidence that anti-oxidant supplements enhance recovery from training.

Question 4

Which group of athletes is most likely to develop iron deficiency?&#10;A) Female swimmers.&#10;B) Male runners.&#10;C) Athletes on energy restricted diets.&#10;D) Body builders.&#10;E) They are all equally likely.

Accepted Answer

Athletes on energy-restricted diets are most likely to develop iron deficiency due to inadequate intake of iron-rich foods, which is essential for the production of hemoglobin and overall energy metabolism.

Question 5

For which nutrient may athletes' requirements be above the Upper Level of Intake that is recommended for the general population?&#10;A) Iron&#10;B) Zinc&#10;C) Sodium&#10;D) Thiamin&#10;E) Riboflavin

Accepted Answer

Athletes may have higher requirements for sodium due to increased sweating during exercise and the need to replace lost electrolytes. The Upper Level of Intake (UL) for sodium is set at 2,300 mg/day for the general population, but athletes may require more to maintain proper hydration and electrolyte balance. However, it is important to note that excessive sodium intake can lead to adverse health effects, such as high blood pressure, so athletes should work with a registered dietitian to determine their sodium needs.

Deck 5: Micronutrients and Antioxidants