NCSF Sport Nutrition Specialist Certification (SNS) Practice Test

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone that plays a significant role in the body’s response to stress and low glucose levels. When carbohydrate provisions are low, cortisol levels increase to help maintain energy balance. It promotes protein catabolism, which involves breaking down muscle protein into amino acids. These amino acids are then released into the bloodstream and can be converted into glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis, providing the body with an energy source when carbohydrates are scarce.

This catabolic effect of cortisol is crucial during prolonged fasting or intense exercise when glycogen stores are diminished. By mobilizing amino acids for energy production, cortisol helps ensure that the body can continue to function despite a lack of readily available carbohydrates.