COURSE CATALOG

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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 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 219: Protein requirements of master athletes: do they need more than their younger contemporaries?

Dietary protein is essential for an athlete’s recovery and adaptation as it provides the requisite amino acid building blocks to repair and remodeling old and/or damaged proteins, especially within working skeletal muscle. Amino acids may also be used as a source of fuel during exercise that requires high mitochondrial flux (e.g. repeated sprint and steady state endurance exercise) and therefore must be consumed in the diet to replenish these exercise-induced losses of the essential amino acids (e.g. branched chain amino acids). The majority of research on protein requirements for athletes have been performed in young individuals, which opens debate as to whether Master athletes would require similar or greater intakes. Available evidence suggest current recommendations for younger athletes would also translate to Master athletes. As opposed to daily protein targets that have been the focus of past research, current practice suggests the most efficient strategy to consume the daily protein requirement is to focus on consuming meals with a moderate amount of protein spaced regularly throughout the day. There is little evidence to suggest that protein requirements in older Master athletes are different between men and women, although estrogen is generally ‘protein-sparing’ and therefore can reduce protein requirements by ~10-15%. There appears to be an opportunity to educate Master athletes as to their meal protein requirements, which may be a safe and effective way to improve their training recovery and adaptation. 

Reference Article

SSE 219: Protein requirements of master athletes: do they need more than their younger contemporaries?

Course Objectives

  • Utilize the available information on dietary protein recommendations when designing your athlete’s nutrition plan.
  • Describe the how dietary protein predominantly supports an athlete’s training and recovery 
  • Discuss why protein recommendations may not be affected by age in Master athletes 
  • Describe how proper meal planning (frequency and protein amount) can help Master athletes meet their daily protein recommendations
 

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

11/09/2025

BOC

1

11/09/2025

Commission on Dietetic Registration

1

05/31/2024

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/moore_protein_requirement_sse219.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE 216: Youth Athlete Development and Nutrition

Adolescence is a period of natural experimentation and is particularly important in terms of establishing the connection between diet, exercise and body image. An adolescent’s peers become increasingly powerful moderators of all behaviors, including eating. The pathway to elite sports performance is complex, and rarely forecast by success at junior levels. Stakeholders involved in managing developing athletes have a responsibility to prioritize sound physical and mental development while integrating principles of sport nutrition success. 

Reference Article

SSE 216: Youth Athlete Development and Nutrition

Course Objectives

  • Describe the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders (adults) in managing the development of youth athletes. 
  • Define the criteria needed to determine energy needs for sport as well as growth and development in youth athletes.  
  • Identify macronutrient needs of youth athletes and micronutrients at most risk for insufficiency and deficiency in youth athletes. 

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

11/09/2025

BOC

1

11/09/2025

Commission on Dietetic Registration

1

05/31/2024

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/desbrow_sse216.pdf?sfvrsn=2

Methods to Keep the Female Athlete Healthy: From Mental to Physical Health

While there is a disparity in sports performance research on female athletes, several experts in the field are making progress in furthering the understanding of the unique characteristics and needs of this population. From physiological and nutritional needs, to mental health and performance considerations, hear Dr Wendy Borlabi, Dr Trent Stellingwerff, Dr Abbie Smith-Ryan and Dr Sara Oikawa cover methods to keep the female athlete healthy. 

Reference Article

Methods to Keep the Female Athlete Healthy: From Mental to Physical Health

Course Objectives

  • Discuss how low energy availability (LEA) “exposure” does not always lead to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) and elements of the practical application of LEA to optimize health and performance.
  • Understand the initial data and known physiological differences that support evidence-based application for ingredients used by female athletes and discuss the possible implications.
  • Describe sex differences in skeletal muscle morphology and protein metabolism and identify gaps in the scientific literature related to female athlete specific protein research. 

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

2.25

07/29/2025

BOC

2.25

07/29/2025

Commission on Dietetic Registration

2.25

05/31/2024

Reference Article

http://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/educational-materials/webinar-handouts/acsm-2022-pre-con-handouts---all-files.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

Health and Performance Considerations for Female Soccer Players

Female soccer players face a variety of physical demands related to their sport but also must manage health factors unique to females. Through a strong nutrition plan, the female soccer player can fuel appopiately, managing energy availability and supporting athletic performance while maintaining physical health in the short and long term. Dr. Rebecca Randell will discuss the demands placed on the female soccer player, how menstruation and energy availability impact health and performance as well as recommendations to help the athlete and recover throughout the season.

Reference Article

Health and Performance Considerations for Female Soccer Players

Course Objectives

  • Discuss health considerations for female soccer players
  • Utilize nutritional recommendations and customize for female soccer players
  • Describe the knowledge gaps in the existing literature

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

.75

02/09/2025

BOC

.75

02/09/2025

Commission on Dietetic Registration

.75

02/09/2025

Reference Article

http://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/educational-materials/webinar-handouts/health-and-performance-considerations-for-female-soccer-players.pdf?sfvrsn=4

SSE #213: Cannabidiol (CBD) and the athlete: claims, evidence, prevalence and safety concerns

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant and is no longer prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency; however, all other cannabinoids remain on the prohibited list. The legal status of CBD is complicated and varies from country to country. Athletes and coaches must be aware of the country (and state) specific legal status of CBD. Dr. Graeme Close and colleagues discuss the benefits of CBD that have been reported both anecdotally and within the literature as well as the risks with CBD use on health, safety and potential for inadvertent doping via the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or other cannabinoids in CBD supplements. 

Reference Article

SSE #213: Cannabidiol (CBD) and the athlete: claims, evidence, prevalence and safety concerns

Course Objectives

  • Describe an overview of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) 

  • Appraise the current evidence and efficacy in relation to CBD use in sport 

  • Discuss the issues and risks surrounding inadvertent doping following the use of CBD

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

01/26/2025

BOC

1

01/26/2025

Commission on Dietetic Registration

1

01/26/2025

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/en/sports-science-exchange/Article/cannabidiol-(cbd)-and-the-athlete-claims-evidence-prevalence-and-safety-concerns

SSE #204: Blood biomarker analysis for the high-performance athlete

Understanding an athlete’s blood biomarkers is an objective way to measure performance, recovery, and nutritional status.  Since an athlete is exposed to different stressors such as increased workload, sleep loss, and travel, it is important to monitor an athlete’s blood biomarkers to prevent injury and illness.  Common issues that can be found my measuring blood biomarkers is low Vitamin D and Iron status, low energy availability, and decreased hormone levels.  Analyzing blood biomarkers can help to keep an athlete healthy, however, the results can be jeopardized by faulty pre analytic approaches.  Ensuring appropriate pre analytic approaches are taken are likely to increase the probability of measuring physiological changes in an athlete.  In addition to blood biomarkers, other subjective, physical, and metabolic measurements should be taken to measure physiological changes during an athlete’s season.   

 

Reference Article

SSE #204: Blood biomarker analysis for the high-performance athlete

Course Objectives

  • Utilize the presented information to determine if measuring your athlete’s blood biomarkers is advantageous to their training plan.
  • Describe the proper pre analytic approaches and how to implement the necessary steps to collect the most valid data. 
  • Discuss the benefits of longitudinal data collection for your athlete’s health and performance. 
 

 

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/pedlar_sse_204_a03.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

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

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

Indian Spices and Health

Indian spices have been historically regarded as powerful health aids, but scientists have begun researching specific effects only recently. This session will provide a review of scientific support for various Indian spices and their effects on health. The session will provide an understanding of each Indian spice, including its origin and proposed uses. In this session, Sports Dietitian Susan Kundrat will also summarize recent scientific evidence related to health benefits and outline practical applications and recommendations for the use of Indian spices, specifically turmeric, ginger, fenugreek, and cinnamon. 

 

Reference Article

Indian Spices and Health

Course Objectives

  • Explain origin and proposed uses for Indian spices, particularly turmeric, ginger, fenugreek, and cinnamon 
  • Describe at least one potential benefit areas from current research findings for each Indian spice, specifically turmeric, ginger, fenugreek, and cinnamon 
  • Identify potential practical usage opportunities and consumption recommendations for Indian spices and be able to articulate the applicable populations and limitations that currently exist for each 

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

06/09/2023

BOC

1

06/09/2023

Commission on Dietetic Registration

1

06/09/2023

CSCCa

1

06/09/2023

Reference Article

http://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/educational-materials/webinar-handouts/handout-indian-spices-and-health-susan-kundra_a06.pdf?sfvrsn=4