NCSF Sport Nutrition Specialist Certification (SNS) Practice Test

What is the main reason high doses of supplemental antioxidants are not recommended?

1. They enhance muscle recovery

2. They inhibit stress signaling from training

3. They cause dehydration

4. They provide excessive energy

The correct answer is: They inhibit stress signaling from training

High doses of supplemental antioxidants are not recommended primarily because they can inhibit stress signaling from training. The body undergoes various forms of stress during exercise, leading to a cascade of signaling processes that are vital for adapting and improving performance. These signals help trigger beneficial adaptations, including increased muscle strength, endurance, and overall health. When antioxidants are taken in excessive amounts, they can interfere with these protective stress responses, potentially diminishing the adaptations that occur from training. This inhibition can lead to less effective workouts, as the body may not adapt and grow stronger from the stress imposed by exercise, which can be counterproductive for athletes seeking to maximize their performance. In contrast, while some nutrients have beneficial roles in muscle recovery, excessive antioxidants can disrupt the necessary recovery and adaptation processes. Other answer options, such as dehydration and excessive energy provision, do not directly relate to the influence of antioxidants on training-related stress signaling.