The A.2—Hydration and nutrition question bank gives IB Sports, exercise and health science (SEHS - Old) students Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) authentic exam-style practice that mirrors IB Paper 1, 2, 3 structure and difficulty. Covering key syllabus areas such as core principles, advanced applications, and practical problem-solving, this resource builds confidence by training students in the same style of questions set by IB examiners. With instant solutions, detailed explanations, and syllabus-aligned practice, RevisionDojo helps students sharpen problem-solving skills and prepare effectively for mocks and final assessments. More than just practice, this question bank teaches students how to think the way IB examiners expect.
A survey was conducted on athletes' nutritional habits before and after workouts. Participants reported all food types they typically consumed, categorized as carbohydrates, protein, fruits and vegetables, dairy, and other. Data were analyzed separately by sex and workout timing (pre vs. post).
Four pie charts (A–D) show food group selections as percentages of all responses, not individuals. Additionally, researchers recorded the average number of food items selected per athlete per session, shown in the table below.
Table: Average Number of Food Items Selected Per Athlete (± SD)
| Group | Pre-Workout | Post-Workout |
|---|---|---|
| Female Athletes | 2.4 ± 0.6 | 2.1 ± 0.5 |
| Male Athletes | 2.8 ± 0.7 | 2.3 ± 0.4 |
Figure: Food Types Selected Pre- and Post-Workout (% of total responses)
A: Females – Pre-workout
B: Females – Post-workout
C: Males – Pre-workout
D: Males – Post-workout
Identify the food type with the highest percentage of selections in male athletes post-workout.
Describe two key changes in food group preference between female athletes pre- and post-workout.
State one physiological reason why male athletes may prefer higher carbohydrate intake before exercise.
Use Table 1 to calculate the average reduction in the number of food items selected from pre- to post-workout for each sex.
Suggest how a reduced variety of food items post-workout might influence macronutrient balance or recovery.
Explain how protein consumption after training supports exercise recovery and muscle adaptation.
Considering the pie chart data, evaluate whether post-workout protein intake appears adequate for both sexes.
Evaluate how inadequate macronutrient intake relative to energy expenditure could increase the risk of Low Energy Availability (LEA) or Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Use evidence from the chart and table to support your explanation.
State two functions of potassium in exercise physiology.
Identify two consequences of excessive water intake without electrolyte replacement.
Describe the process of osmoregulation during prolonged exercise.
Explain how thermoregulation is influenced by hydration status.
Outline two adaptations in trained endurance athletes that improve fluid and electrolyte efficiency.
Discuss the physiological effects of chronic dehydration on athletic performance and recovery.
State one function of water in the human body and one way it is lost.
Identify two symptoms of mild dehydration.
Describe how electrolytes contribute to hydration balance.
Explain four ways the body responds to fluid loss during exercise.
Outline how dehydration affects aerobic performance.
Discuss the importance of maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance during prolonged physical activity.
Identify two causes of fluid loss during exercise
State two effects of hyponatremia.
Describe three functions of water during physical activity.
Explain how fluid replacement strategies can prevent performance decline in endurance events.
Outline the roles of sodium and potassium in regulating hydration status.
Discuss how hydration needs vary depending on environmental conditions and exercise intensity.
State two roles of fats in the body.
Identify two nutrient-dense sources of carbohydrates.
Describe the importance of post-exercise carbohydrate intake.
Explain how glycogen is stored and used during prolonged activity.
Explain consequences of poor macronutrient distribution for athletic performance.
Discuss the relationship between macronutrient timing and recovery.
State two factors that influence an individual's daily energy needs.
Identify two types of energy-dense foods.
Describe how under-fueling affects performance and recovery.
Explain how protein and carbohydrate intake work together in post-exercise recovery.
Outline the benefits of a pre-exercise meal in performance sports.
Discuss the long-term risks of chronic energy imbalance in athletes.
Identify the three macronutrients.
State two sources of dietary fat.
Describe how carbohydrates are used during high-intensity exercise.
Explain the role of protein in recovery after resistance training.
Outline the process and benefit of carbohydrate loading for athletes.
Discuss the energy system contributions during a 1500 m middle-distance race.
Identify two energy systems used during exercise.
State one characteristic of the ATP-PC system and one of the aerobic system.
Describe how carbohydrates are utilized differently during aerobic and anaerobic exercise.
Explain the contribution of the lactic acid system during a 400 m sprint.
Outline how balanced macronutrient intake supports sports performance.
Discuss the interplay of energy systems during a 1500 m middle-distance race.
Identify two by-products of aerobic metabolism.
State two reasons why carbohydrate intake is prioritized over fat during high-intensity exercise.
Describe how energy availability influences hormonal function in endurance athletes.
Explain how macronutrient needs vary between power athletes and endurance athletes.
Outline the role of nutrition periodization in optimizing competition performance.
Discuss the combined use of the aerobic and anaerobic systems in sports requiring intermittent bursts of activity, such as basketball or hockey.
State two sources of dietary electrolytes.
Identify two factors that influence sweat rate.
Describe the importance of fluid intake before exercise.
Explain two ways the body conserves water during exercise.
Outline how electrolyte replacement improves recovery.
Discuss the importance of monitoring hydration status in competitive athletes.