NCSF Sport Nutrition Specialist Certification Practice Test – Complete Exam Prep

The primary function of a carbohydrate mouth rinse during endurance events is to stimulate the central nervous system. Research indicates that rinsing with a carbohydrate solution can enhance exercise performance by triggering sensory receptors in the mouth that send signals to the brain. This stimulation can lead to increased motivation and perceived energy, even without a significant amount of carbohydrates being absorbed digestively.

While carbohydrates are commonly recognized for providing energy, the mouth rinse does not actually deliver energy in the conventional sense during the event; instead, it taps into the brain's reward pathways. This can result in improved endurance performance by allowing athletes to maintain higher levels of exertion and potentially delay fatigue.

The other options, which include boosting hydration and enhancing taste, do not capture the core function of a carbohydrate mouth rinse as effectively as the stimulation of the central nervous system. Hydration is crucial during endurance events but is better achieved through fluid intake rather than rinsing, and the taste may be pleasant, but it does not have a substantial impact on performance like the neurological stimulation does.