Clinical Nutritionist Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Carbohydrates play a crucial role in athletic performance, particularly in endurance sports. They are the body's primary source of energy during high-intensity exercise. When athletes consume carbohydrates, they are effectively providing their muscles with the necessary fuel to perform optimally. This fuel then gets stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles.

During prolonged physical activity, especially endurance activities like marathon running or cycling, the body relies heavily on these glycogen stores. When glycogen levels are adequate, athletes can perform at their best for longer periods. Consuming carbohydrates before and after endurance activities can help prevent fatigue and speed up recovery by replenishing these glycogen stores.

In contrast, the other options suggest a misunderstanding of the role carbohydrates play in athletic performance. For instance, stating that carbohydrates are unnecessary for endurance activities overlooks their fundamental role in sustaining energy levels. The idea that carbohydrates would be detrimental to muscle repair contradicts the established understanding of nutrition, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper energy balance for recovery. Lastly, advocating for avoidance of carbohydrates prior to athletic events would likely hinder an athlete's performance by reducing available energy, demonstrating the critical need for carbohydrate intake to enhance performance and recovery.