NFPT Nutrition Specialist Practice Exam

The condition that reflects an imbalance in macronutrient intake involves excessive protein with insufficient carbohydrates. This scenario indicates that the diet is skewed heavily toward one macronutrient—protein—while not providing adequate amounts of another essential macronutrient—carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are crucial for energy production, particularly for the brain and muscles during physical activity. Insufficient carbohydrate intake can lead to a variety of health issues, such as fatigue, decreased exercise performance, and potential metabolic adaptations that can be detrimental over time. Therefore, when the intake of one macronutrient is significantly higher than the others, and it’s accompanied by a lack of necessary nutrients, this signifies an imbalance and can negatively affect overall health and performance.

In contrast, the other answer choices reflect more balanced or acceptable approaches to macronutrient distribution. A high protein and high carbohydrate diet may be suitable for certain individuals, depending on their health goals or activity levels. A balanced intake of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins represents a healthy dietary pattern, while a high carbohydrate and low-fat diet can also be beneficial depending on a person's individual health goals or dietary needs.