HOSA Nutrition: Nutritional Physiology
Practice
Health Science Competition (CTSO)
HOSA Nutrition — Health Science Competitive Event
HOSA Nutrition is a written competitive event that evaluates in-depth knowledge of nutritional science, including macronutrients, clinical nutrition, dietary guidelines, food safety, and medical nutrition therapy — aligned with the annual HOSA Competitive Events Guidelines.
Free Practice Tests & Papers
6 availableHOSA Nutrition: Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Fats
Practice
HOSA Nutrition: Vitamins and Minerals
Practice
HOSA Nutrition: Medical Nutrition Therapy
Practice
HOSA Nutrition: Nutrition Through the Life Span
Practice
HOSA Nutrition: Dietary Epidemiology & Food Safety
Practice
Exam Details & Pattern
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be an active member of HOSA — Future Health Professionals at the secondary, post-secondary, or collegiate level
- Must follow the current year's HOSA Competitive Events Guidelines for topic coverage and registration rules
- Participants must be registered through their chapter advisor and comply with HOSA's academic integrity and dress code policies
Marking Scheme & Pattern
Total Questions50 multiple-choice questions
Duration60 minutes
ScoringPercentage of correct answers; ties broken by time taken
FormatSingle-best-answer MCQ; no partial credit
Negative MarkingNone
Syllabus Overview
Macronutrients & Micronutrients
Carbohydrates (types, digestion, glycaemic index), Proteins (amino acids, protein quality, RDA), Lipids (fatty acids, cholesterol, omega-3/6), Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), Water-soluble vitamins (B-complex, C), Macro/trace minerals (Ca, Fe, Zn, Mg), Water balance & hydration
Dietary Guidelines & Food Planning
USDA 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, MyPlate food group model, Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI): RDA, AI, UL, EER, Nutrient density & empty calories, Reading & interpreting Nutrition Facts labels, Food portion sizes & serving equivalents
Nutrition Across the Lifespan
Pregnancy & lactation nutrition, Infant & toddler nutritional needs, Childhood & adolescent nutrition, Adult nutritional requirements, Geriatric nutrition & sarcopenia, Special needs populations
Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)
Nutrition in Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes (carbohydrate counting, glycaemic management), Cardiovascular disease diet (DASH, TLC, sodium restriction), Renal diet (phosphorus, potassium, protein management), Cancer nutrition, Malnutrition & nutritional assessment (BMI, anthropometrics, biochemical markers), Eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binge eating)
Food Safety & Preparation
Foodborne illness pathogens (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Norovirus), HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) principles, Safe food handling (temperature control, cross-contamination, storage), FDA Food Code, Food allergies vs. intolerances
Cultural & Global Nutrition
Cultural food practices and dietary patterns (Mediterranean, Asian, Latin American diets), Global hunger, food insecurity & malnutrition (stunting, wasting, micronutrient deficiencies), Sustainable food systems & environmental impact of food choices
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the HOSA Nutrition event scored?
Scoring is based on the percentage of correct answers on the 50-question multiple-choice test. In the event of a tie in score, the participant who completed the test in less time is ranked higher.
What study materials are recommended for HOSA Nutrition?
The official HOSA Competitive Events Guidelines specify the topic areas each year. Recommended references include the USDA Dietary Guidelines 2020-2025, standard college-level nutrition textbooks (such as 'Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies' by Whitney & Rolfes), and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics publications.
Is the HOSA Nutrition event available at all competition levels?
The Nutrition event is available at the State Leadership Conference (SLC) level. Top finishers at SLC may advance to the National Leadership Conference (NLC). Availability at area/regional competitions depends on the state chapter's event schedule.
