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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.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
12/19/2025
BOC
1
12/19/2025
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
03/31/2024
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.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
12/19/2025
BOC
1
12/19/2025
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
05/31/2024
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.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
05/26/2025
BOC
1
05/26/2025
Commission on Dietetic Registration
1
03/31/2024
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.
Course Objectives
Course
Credits
Course Expiration
ACSM
1
11/06/2024
BOC
1
11/06/2024
CSCCa
1
11/06/2024
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.
Course Objectives
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
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.
Course Objectives
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
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.
Course Objectives
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
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.
Course Objectives
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