Supplement Quiz: How Much Do You Really Know?
Ever since graduating I’ve sort of missed the long, exhausting nights with my eyes glued to a biochemistry textbook. I don’t know why, I just always enjoyed learning and uncovering how the human body works.
Moreover, given my interest in sports supplementation and the fact that Muscle & Strength has 1000’s of these supplements available to many countries around the world, I thought it would be fun to compose a quiz for the supplement aficionados out there and see if people are really up to speed on what they’re putting in their bodies. Don’t worry, studying for this quiz is optional (but if you’re having a competition with your meathead buddies to see who actually has a brain I would do some preliminary research).
Before moving on, please make sure you perform a proper warm up with that noggin of yours because I don’t want anybody getting hurt during this (not so) grueling brain workout. I am not responsible for any brain trauma that may occur during your cogitation of these questions. Also beware, your ego may grow exorbitantly if you do well on this quiz, which may cause you to believe you can hoist more iron than your body is capable of; always leave your ego at the door of the gym. Now, let the fun begin, bro!
The Muscle & Strength Supplement Quiz
Section A. True/False
1 Point for each correct answer.
- Whey protein is a “complete” protein source (i.e. contains adequate proportion of all 9 essential amino acids).
- Yohimbine, an alpha-2 adrenoreceptor antagonist, is commonly implicated with assisting fat loss.
- Epimedium (aka Horny Goat Weed) is a potent herb that raises estrogen levels.
- Caffeine is the most consumed central nervous system stimulant in the world.
- The three branched-chain amino acids are leucine, isoleucine, and glutamine.
- Creatine ethyl ester is more readily absorbed than pure creatine monohydrate.
- Pro-hormone supplements contain compounds that are converted by the body into bioactive anabolic hormones.
- Melatonin is commonly used prior to working out due to its stimulatory effects.
- Casein protein is digested much more rapidly than whey protein.
- Beta-alanine supplements may cause a tingling sensation in the skin called paresthesia.
Section B. Fill-in-the-blank
1 point for each correct word placement.
| Betaine Hydrochloride | Loading Phase | Cortisol | Gastric acid |
| Pepsin | Stimulant | 5-HTP | Phosphatidylserine |
| Nitric Oxide | Agmatine | Acetylcholine | D-aspartic acid |
| Methylcobalamin | L-carnitine | Testosterone | L-aspartic acid |
| Ascorbic acid | Arginine | Calmness | 1,3 Dimethylamylamine |
- People who rather large amounts of protein may stand to benefit from ____(a)______, a supplement that increases ______(b)_____ and augments pepsin conversion.
- ____(c)______ a compound that has intense _____(d)______ properties has recently been banned from use in sports supplements in the United States.
- Two ingredients commonly found in supplements that claim to help increase “pumps” and blood flow are _____(e)______ and _____(f)______.
- The amino acid derivative _____(g)_____ is often used to promote_ _____(h)______ .
- ____(i)_______ has been shown to have somewhat moderate positive effects on endogenous testosterone production, while the isomer ______(j)_____ does not produce the same effect.
Section C. Multiple Choice
2 points for each correct choice.
1. Which of the following is not a common sports supplement?
a. Whey protein powder
b. Galactose
c. Citrulline Malate
d. All of the above are common sports supplements
2. Typically, a pre-workout product usually contains which one of the following compounds?
a. Pyruvic acid
b. Caffeine
c. Lactic acid
d. Vitamin K2
3. What protein supplement would be most suitable for a vegan dieter?
a. Whey protein
b. Casein protein
c. Soy protein
d. None of the above
4. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are becoming increasingly popular in sports supplementation, which of the following is not a BCAA?
a. Alanine
b. Valine
c. Isoleucine
d. Leucine
5. Which one of the following supplements would best fit someone having joint issues?
a. Cissus quadrangularis
b. Acetyl L-carnitine
c. Creatine monohydrate
d. None of these will help alleviate joint problems
6. Which one of these compounds would you likely see in a supplement that promotes blood flow and “pumps”?
a. Vitamin D
b. Niacin
c. Glucoronolactone
d. Agmatine Sulfate
7. Which one of the following types of supplements is commonly recommended to individuals who have trouble gaining weight? (Note: Please don’t get this wrong)
a. Libido boosters
b. Weight gainers
c. Nootropics
d. EFA complexes
8. Of the following, which is the most bio-available source of supplemental protein powder?
a. Whey protein isolate
b. Whey protein concentrate
c. Soy protein isolate
d. Micellar casein protein
9. If you were looking for a carbohydrate supplement to take after working out that caused a rapid spike in insulin secretion, which one of the following sugars would be best?
a. Fructose
b. Amylose
c. Dextrose
d. All of these sugars would cause a rapid insulin response
10. A “bro” is someone who likely does which of the following in the gym?
a. Carries around a gym bag full of supplement containers and shaker cups
b. Chest and arm workouts at least 3 times per week
c. Does 30 minutes of ab exercises after every workout
d. Texts between sets
e. Drinks “dat der Cell Tech” during their workout
f. All of the above are likely signs of a “bro” (hint: this is the answer)
Quiz Answers
After you have completed the sections, use the answer key and scale below to figure out where you are on the spectrum of “supp” wizardry.
FINISH THE QUIZ FIRST YOU CHEATER :)
Section A (1pt each)
1. T
2. T
3. F
4. T
5. F
6. F
7. T
8. F
9. F
10. T
Section B (1pt per letter):
a. Betaine HCl
b. Gastric acid
c. 1,3-Dimethylamylamine
d. Stimulant
e. Agmatine
f. Arginine
g. 5-HTP
h. Calmness
i. D-aspartic acid
j. L-aspartic acid
Section C (2pts each):
1. B
2. B
3. C
4. A
5. A
6. D
7. B
8. A
9. C
10. F