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SSE 231: Dietary carbohydrate and the endurance athlete: contemporary perspectives

The importance of carbohydrate as a fuel source for endurance exercise and athletic performance is well established. Despite decades of intense carbohydrate research within the field of sports nutrition, new knowledge continues to be generated with the potential to inform practice. To ensure sufficient muscle glycogen availability, endurance competition or high-quality intense training should be preceded by daily dietary carbohydrate intakes scaled to the demands of the subsequent exercise. The optimization of liver and muscle glycogen content in the hours before and hours directly after exercise are important goals for carbohydrate nutrition. In this respect, nutrition strategies that combine glucose and fructose carbohydrate sources appear most beneficial for enhancement of performance and recovery. Athletes looking to benefit from carbohydrate feeding during exercise can choose from a wide range of readily oxidizable carbohydrate sources, with glucose-fructose blends (inc. sucrose) affording the greatest flexibility for within-event modulation of carbohydrate intake. Finally, a periodized approach to dietary carbohydrate intake around training will ensure athletes have sufficient fuel to execute the demands of training to maximize training adaptation whilst minimizing the potential for adverse health or performance consequences (e.g., through development of RED-S). 

Reference Article

SSE 231: Dietary carbohydrate and the endurance athlete: contemporary perspectives

Course Objectives

  • Utilize the available information on dietary carbohydrates and exercise when considering your athlete’s nutrition plan 
  • Describe the metabolic basis underpinning dietary carbohydrate recommendations for athletes 
  • Discuss technologies that practitioners might use to individualize dietary carbohydrate intakes for athletes

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

05/15/2026

BOC

1

05/15/2026

Commission on Dietetic Registration

1

03/31/2024

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/sse_231_005.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE 228: Functional Ingredients to Support Active Women

There are important sex-based differences that exist between men and women that may influence nutrition and dietary supplement recommendations. The hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, and with oral contraceptives, result in metabolic alterations which should be considered when making supplement considerations for active women. Body composition and protein metabolism also change throughout a woman’s lifespan. This course will detail the scientific evidence related to sex-specific nutritional recommendations.

Reference Article

SSE 228: Functional Ingredients to Support Active Women

Course Objectives

  • Describe a typical menstrual cycle and potential metabolic alterations during the phases 
  • Discuss hormonal contraceptive use and the impact on the menstrual cycle 
  • Identify and describe dietary supplements that may be beneficial to active women

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

05/15/2026

BOC

1

05/15/2026

Commission on Dietetic Registration

1

03/31/2024

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/sse_228_004.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE 227: Sports Nutrition Recommendations for Elite Female Soccer Players

The application of sound nutritional guidance is necessary to support female soccer player health and performance. Based on findings in elite female soccer players, there is scope to improve nutritional practices relative to energy intake, fueling, hydration, and supplement use. Drs. Samantha Moss and Rebecca Randell discuss the energy and nutrient needs of female soccer players and areas where additional high-quality research that includes elite female players as participants is necessary.

Reference Article

SSE 227: Sports Nutrition Recommendations for Elite Female Soccer Players

Course Objectives

  • Describe the role of energy availability in terms of performance and recovery. 
  • Compare current macronutrient intakes in female soccer players with recommended macronutrient intakes. 
  • Outline dietary supplements that may provide health and performance benefits to female soccer players.

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

04/04/2026

BOC

1

04/04/2026

Commission on Dietetic Registration

1

03/31/2024

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/sse_227_005_final.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE 224: Application of Sports Nutrition to Healthy Aging

Aging is associated with the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and decline in physical function which may result in reduced mobility and subsequent loss of independence. Exercise is a potent stimulator of muscle protein synthesis in both athletic populations and in older adults. Dietary practices by athletes to augment performance and recovery may be relevant to the preservation of skeletal muscle mass and strength in older adults such as the supplementation with creatine, long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), and inorganic nitrate.

Reference Article

SSE 224: Application of Sports Nutrition to Healthy Aging

Course Objectives

  • Identify how sports nutrition can be applied to improve skeletal muscle in older adults.
  • Discuss the scientific evidence surrounding elevated protein recommendations for older adults.
  • Describe the evidence for the supplementation of creatine, n-3 PUFAs, and inorganic nitrate to benefit skeletal muscle health in older adults.

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

12/19/2025

BOC

1

12/19/2025

Commission on Dietetic Registration

1

03/31/2024

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/sse_224_a04.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE 221: Fish Oil for Healthy Aging - Potential Applications for Master Athletes

Long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs) are a class of biologically active fatty acids that play fundamental roles in the production of anti-inflammatory signalling molecules as well as serving as vital components of phospholipid membranes. The most well studied LC n-3 PUFAs are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 n-3). Often associated with improved cardiovascular health, there is now emerging evidence that ingestion of LC n-3 PUFAs above population recommendations enhances skeletal muscle anabolism in older adults. Indeed, daily intake of ~ 5g/d of LC n-3 PUFAs has been shown to potentiate the muscle protein synthetic response to the infusion of insulin and amino acids and increase gains in skeletal muscle strength with resistance exercise training in older women. These findings suggest that LC n-3 PUFA intake could have ergogenic effects in older exercising adults. However, more recent work has failed to detect a positive impact of LC n-3 PUFA intake towards skeletal muscle in older persons. Yet, few studies have been conducted in highly-trained older adults, or ‘master athletes’ thus it is unclear if there is a benefit to increased LC n-3 PUFA  intake in this specific population. Aside from the potential ergogenic benefit, as some older adults possess sub-optimal LC n-3 PUFA status, there may be utility in increasing LC n-3 PUFAs ingestion in older persons to support healthy aging. 

Reference Article

SSE 221: Fish Oil for Healthy Aging - Potential Applications for Master Athletes

Course Objectives

  • Describe the current state of evidence regarding the impact of LC n-3 PUFA intake on the adaptive response of skeletal muscle to exercise training in older persons.  
  • Define the strengths and limitations of assessing LC n-3 PUFA status in the context of the Sport and Exercise Science. 
  • Identify various food and supplemental sources of LC n-3 PUFAs that could be used to increase LC n-3 PUFA intake.  
 

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

12/19/2025

BOC

1

12/19/2025

Commission on Dietetic Registration

1

05/31/2024

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/sse221_caioh_chrism_nov_a7.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE 215: Practical Approaches to Nutrition for Female Athletes

The majority of published sport nutrition recommendations are based on studies conducted with male athletes. In female athletes, the menstrual cycle may affect optimal nutrition strategies for performance, but menstrual cycles can be quite variable. Authors Bryan Holtzman and Kate Ackerman review the nutritional recommendations for female athletes from a variety of perspectives. Within the review, the energetic requirements for athletes and the negative effects of failing to meet these requirements are discussed. The authors also establish a model for meeting nutritional needs of increasing complexity and personalization for female athletes and provide baseline recommendations for female athletes. This course aims to provide practical advice for athletes, coaches, physicians, and other members of the athlete entourage.

Reference Article

SSE 215: Practical Approaches to Nutrition for Female Athletes

Course Objectives

  • Define energy availability and the impact of failing to meet energy needs in female athletes 
  • Describe unique physiological considerations for female athletes related to the menstrual cycle. 
  • Identify micronutrients of particular interest for female athletes and baseline recommendations for intake.

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

05/26/2025

BOC

1

05/26/2025

Commission on Dietetic Registration

1

03/31/2024

Reference Article

http://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/final-gssi_sse_215.pdf?sfvrsn=2

You are when you eat

High performance athletes are highly trained and motivated to perform well. How these athletes fuel can have an impact on their overall performance and how they use their athletic talents. Sports Dietitian Isaac Hicks discusses how nutrient timing can support training adaptations and athletic performance.

Reference Article

You are when you eat

Course Objectives

 

  • Discuss specific timing recommendations for when athletes should eat and drink based on the length and intensity of exercise
  • Discuss at least two physiological reasons timing is important in regard to athlete nutrition and hydration
  • Counsel athletes on at least three basic sports nutrition principals that instill solid nutrition and hydration habits

 

 

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1.5

11/19/2024

BOC

1.5

11/19/2024

Commission on Dietetic Registration

1.5

11/19/2024

Reference Article

http://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/educational-materials/webinar-handouts/you-are-when-you-eat_isaac-hicks-handout-final_11-11.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE #211: Omega-3 fatty acids for training adaptation and exercise recovery: a muscle centric perspective in athletes

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are traditionally associated with cardiometabolic health with implications for reducing risk of cardiovascular disease. More recently, omega-3 fatty acids have received considerable attention in the context of athlete health and performance, specifically with regards to promoting training adaptation and exercise recovery.

Reference Article

SSE #211: Omega-3 fatty acids for training adaptation and exercise recovery: a muscle centric perspective in athletes

Course Objectives

  • Identify common food sources that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Discuss the scientific evidence base that underpins the role of omega-3 fatty acids in promoting muscle hypertrophy.
  • Explain the proposed mechanisms that underpin the link between omega-3 fatty acids, training adaptation and exercise recovery in athletes.  

 

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

11/06/2024

BOC

1

11/06/2024

CSCCa

1

11/06/2024

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/witard-davis_sse_211_a04_final.pdf?sfvrsn=2

Unique Aspects of the Female Endurance Athlete

Session 3 from the 2021 ACSM/GSSI Go the Distance Summer Symposium features Kathryn Ackerman MD, MPH, FACSM, Physician, Sports Medicine Division and Director, Female Athlete Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Ackerman discusses the current state of the literature related to sports nutrition and female athletes as well as unique challenges that female athletes face. Additionally, Dr Ackerman addresses the many considerations that must be accounted for when developing a nutrition strategy for female athletes. 

Course Objectives

Discuss basis for female athelte sports nutrition recommendations to date

Describe important considerations for accurate female sports and nutrition research

Describe causes and consequences of low energy availability

 

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

0.75

07/14/2024

CSCCa

0.75

07/14/2024

Endurance Nutrition: How do you fuel for success?

Session 1 from the 2021 ACSM/GSSI Go the Distance Summer Symposium features Matt Pahnke PhD of GSSI and U.S. Long-Distance runner Molly Huddle. Dr. Pahnke presents the science and recommendations for fueling endurance athletes and then discusses how to utilize those recommendations in practice with Molly. Each athlete is unique and personalizing sports nutrition recommendations is key to helping an endurance athlete build a successful training and race day nutrition plan.  

Course Objectives

Idenfity the key sports nutrition recomendations for endurance athletes

Discuss and apply the scientific recommendations for enduracne sports nutrition in a practical setting

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

.75

07/14/2024

CSCCa

0.75

07/14/2024

SSE #206: Nutritional factors that affect fat oxidation rates during exercise

During exercise, both fat and carbohydrate are metabolized to produce energy.  At lower intensities and rest, fat is the predominate substrate that is metabolized.  As intensity increases, carbohydrate metabolism increases and fat metabolism decreases.  Incremental exercise tests have been developed on both a cycle ergometer and treadmill to measure the maximal fat oxidation (MFO) and at what intensity MFO occurs (FATMAX).  It has been shown that there is large individual variation in MFO and FATMAX, and that individuals may have a unique FATMAX curve.  Increasing an athlete’s fat oxidation may be beneficial as it could preserve the limited amount of muscle and liver glycogen, which could then delay fatigue.  Several nutritional supplements thought to increase fat oxidation have been studied, such as; green tea, New Zealand blackcurrants, caffeine, and Omega-3.  In addition to supplementation, training strategies to decrease muscle and liver glycogen availability prior to exercise have been shown to increase fat oxidation during exercise.  It is important to note that an increase in fat oxidation during exercise has not been associated with improved performance.

Reference Article

SSE #206: Nutritional factors that affect fat oxidation rates during exercise

Course Objectives

  •  Utilize the information presented in this SSE and discuss the different supplements that may increase fat oxidation.
  • Describe Maximal Fat Oxidation and FATMAX and how ingesting carbohydrate may affect the fat oxidation curve.
  • Discuss the various strategies to decrease muscle and liver glycogen availability and how it may lead to an increase in fat oxidation.

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

10/20/2023

BOC

1

10/20/2023

Commission on Dietetic Registration

1

10/20/2023

CSCCa

1

10/20/2023

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/randell-spriet_sse_206_a03.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE #203: Caffeine and Exercise Performance: an update

Caffeine is one of the most studied supplements and has shown ergogenic effects in almost every sport scenario it has been studied.  The benefits of ingesting moderate to high doses of caffeine (5-9 mg/kg of body mass) before and during exercise have been well established in endurance exercise.  Although the moderate to high doses of caffeine improves endurance performance, side effects such as gastrointestinal upset, nervousness, mental confusion, inability to focus and disturbed sleep have been reported.  Lower doses of caffeine (<3 mg/kg of body mass) have been shown to have similar performance benefits as the moderate to high doses, and without the side effects.  In addition to endurance performance, caffeine also improves performance in stop-and-go and team sports that require short-term, high intensity movements.  Caffeine seems to have an antagonistic interaction with adenosine receptors in the central and peripheral nervous system, which increases central drive and reduces the perception of fatigue and pain during exercise.  There is some variation between individuals in response to the effects of caffeine and it is unclear whether genetic polymorphisms can explain the inter-individual seen during caffeine administration. 

Reference Article

SSE #203: Caffeine and Exercise Performance: an update

Course Objectives

  • Utilize the available information on caffeine supplementation and exercise when considering adding caffeine into your athlete’s nutrition plan. 
  • Describe the mechanisms that caffeine effects the central and/or peripheral nervous system and how it improves exercise.
  • Discuss the possible genetic differences of individuals who do not respond or have very little responses to caffeine.   

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

10/08/2023

BOC

1

10/08/2023

Commission on Dietetic Registration

1

10/08/2023

CSCCa

1

10/08/2023

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/spriet_sse_203_a03_final.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE #201: Nutrition and Athlete Bone Health

Bone health is an important aspect that the general population should pay attention to, especially the athlete population.  Good bone health will not only prevent immediate injuries such as stress fractures but will prevent long lasting damage later in an athlete’s life such as osteoporosis.  Even though athletes need to pay special attention to their bone health, the general recommendations to support bone health is not very different from the general population and it is not clear whether the recommendations for the general population will adequately support an athlete’s needs through periods of intense training.  Athletes should consider consuming additional supplements if their food preferences or intolerances do not allow them to get sufficient nutrients needed to support their bone health.  Athletes also need to be aware of their energy intake and expenditure to ensure they are maintaining a positive energy balance. 

Reference Article

SSE #201: Nutrition and Athlete Bone Health

Course Objectives

  • Utilize the provided key nutrients for bone health to apply the practical applications to ensure your athlete receives the nutrients needed to support their bone health. 
  • Describe the relationship between energy intake and energy expenditure and how they contribute to energy balance. 
  • Discuss other nutrient issues that are specific to athletes and how they can negatively impact an athlete’s overall health and bone health. 

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

10/07/2023

BOC

1

10/07/2023

Commission on Dietetic Registration

1

10/07/2023

CSCCa

1

10/07/2023

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/sale_sse_201_a05_final.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE #199: Nutrition Recommendations for Altitude Training

High altitude training camps are commonly used by endurance athletes in order to increase their fitness prior to competition.   Energy availability (EA) requirements may be altered by low to moderate altitudes, and it is suggested that EA may play a role in an athlete’s ability to adjusts to hypoxic conditions.  Iron is a micronutrient with known importance to an athlete’s health while at altitude and is important for increasing hemoglobin mass.  While studies investigating physiological adaptations at extreme altitudes (>3,000 m.) have been conducted, there is a call for more studies at low to moderate altitudes (1,600-2,400 m.).  Since the effects of training at low to moderate altitudes are not yet fully confirmed, it is best to apply sea-level nutrition and hydration guidelines to an athlete’s training at altitude. 

Reference Article

SSE #199: Nutrition Recommendations for Altitude Training

Course Objectives

  • Utilize the monitoring and nutritional recommendations from this SSE during an athlete’s high-altitude training. 
  • Discuss the initial hypoxic effects an athlete may experience and how to best prevent or alleviate the negative symptoms. 
  • Define energy availability and describe how an athlete’s energy needs may change while training at altitude.  

 

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

10/07/2023

BOC

1

10/07/2023

Commission on Dietetic Registration

1

10/07/2023

CSCCa

1

10/07/2023

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/sse_altitudenutritionarticle_v3.pdf?sfvrsn=2

Hydration: Application & Innovation

This session, developed by the team at Performance 365 in partnership with the Gatorade Sports Science Institute and presented by Sports Dietitian Jen Ketterly, provides an overview on hydration strategies and explores the applications and factors impacting intake that have been affected by COVID-19.  Disclaimer: Jen Ketterly is a founding member of the Performance 365 consulting group and this presentation was sponsored by the Gatorade Sports Science Institute.

Reference Article

Hydration: Application & Innovation

Course Objectives

  • Provide fluid recommendations for athletes 
  • Educate athletes and provide effective strategies for acclimatization
  • Assess athlete fluid status
  • Describe the factors that impact intake  
 

 

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

0.5

08/11/2023

BOC

0.75

08/11/2023

Commission on Dietetic Registration

0.5

08/11/2023

CSCCa

.5

08/11/2023

Reference Article

http://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/educational-materials/webinar-handouts/hydration-application-and-innovation-bibliography.pdf?sfvrsn=2

Hygiene & Food Safety Considerations for Return to Play

This session, developed by the team at Performance 365 in partnership with the Gatorade Sports Science Institute shares hygiene and food safety considerations for athletes and sports performance professionals to take into account to ensure safe return to play in the current environment. Sports Dietitian Leslie Bonci discusses best practices for on-the-field hydration, at-home and away fueling, travel guidelines and more.  

Course Objectives

  • Review the critical components of a hazard analysis and the application to the sports environment 
  • Develop protocols to safeguard health and identify best practices to comply with COVID-19 recommended guidelines 
  • Develop food safety recommendations for athletes and their support staff/family 

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

0.5

08/11/2023

BOC

0.5

08/11/2023

CSCCa

.5

08/11/2023

Nutrition and Immune Health: Considerations for Athletes

This session, developed by the team at Performance 365 in partnership with the Gatorade Sports Science Institute provides an overview of the immune system. Throughout the session, Sports Dietitian Roberta Anding discusses key nutrition education concepts to best promote health and immune function, such as nutrients and lifestyle factors, to help sports health professionals keep their athletes educated and healthy as they return to play.

Course Objectives

1. Outline functions of the immune system

2. Discuss dietary constituents needed for immune support

3. Describe lifestyle factors associated with immune health

4. Review key nutrition education concepts to best promote health and immune function

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

0.75

08/11/2023

BOC

0.75

08/11/2023

CSCCa

.75

08/11/2023

Creatine: What Sports Health Practitioners Need to Know

Creatine supplementation has been considered a potential aid to athletic training and performance. This session will provide a review of the existing research surrounding creatine and scientific support for its use in athletic performance, adaptation and resistance training. The session will summarize its history, the effects of supplementation use on muscle creatine, brain metabolism and cognitive processing. Eric Rawson, Ph.D, FACSM, CSCS will also provide safe, practical uses for creatine and debunking its associated myths.  

 

Reference Article

Creatine: What Sports Health Practitioners Need to Know

Course Objectives

  • Describe the history of creatine research 
  • Explain the effects of creatine supplementation on muscle creatine, exercise performance, and adaptation to resistance training 
  • Describe the potential mechanisms that explain the performance enhancing effect of creatine supplementation 
  • Explain the safety of creatine supplementation as it relates to renal and muscle dysfunction 
  • Describe the effects of creatine supplementation on brain metabolism and cognitive processing 
  • Describe the potential benefits of creatine supplementation on mild traumatic brain injury 
  • Identify the myths associated with creatine supplementation 

 

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

06/10/2023

BOC

1

06/10/2023

NSCA

0.2

06/10/2023

Commission on Dietetic Registration

1

06/10/2023

CSCCa

1

06/10/2023

Reference Article

http://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/educational-materials/webinar-handouts/rawson_reference_list_a02.pdf?sfvrsn=2