Nutrition for Sport and Musculoskeletal health

Nutrition for Sport and Musculoskeletal Health provides an in-depth exploration of the critical role nutrition plays in athletic performance and recovery. Divided into five units, the course delivers actionable insights and practical guidance for improving health outcomes and physical performance through evidence-based nutrition strategies.

Unit 1: Athletes and Sports Nutrition
This unit explores the unique nutritional needs and behaviours of athletes, emphasising:
- Understanding athletes' goals and dietary challenges.
- Building rapport with athletes and their support networks to promote positive nutritional behaviours.
- Tailoring nutritional interventions to individual requirements, considering factors like training intensity, environmental conditions, and dietary restrictions.
- The art and science of sports nutrition, balancing evidence-based practices with innovative strategies.

Unit 2: Energy and Macronutrients
Focuses on energy balance and the role of macronutrients in athletic performance:
- Assessing energy intake and expenditure to optimise performance and recovery.
- The role of carbohydrates in fuelling exercise, including timing and quantity recommendations for endurance and high-intensity sports.
- Protein's impact on muscle repair and growth, including daily requirements and post-exercise strategies.
- Exploring the potential benefits and limitations of high-fat and ketogenic diets for specific athletic contexts.

Unit 3: Micronutrients
Examines the importance of vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients:
- Identifying key vitamins like D and C and their roles in immunity, bone health, and recovery.
- Addressing common deficiencies, such as low iron levels in menstruating athletes.
- Understanding the impact of antioxidants and ""superfoods"" like blueberries and green tea on recovery and performance.
- Strategies for promoting a nutrient-dense diet to meet increased micronutrient demands.

Unit 4: Hydration
Discusses hydration strategies for maintaining performance and preventing dehydration:
- Understanding fluid loss during exercise and individualising hydration plans based on sweat rates and environmental conditions.
- The role of electrolytes and nutrients like sodium in fluid retention and recovery.
- Balancing hydration needs with the risks of overhydration and hyponatremia.
- Practical approaches to fluid replacement before, during, and after exercise.

Unit 5: Supplements
Provides an evidence-based analysis of sports supplements:
- Differentiating between sports foods and dietary supplements.
- Reviewing the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Supplement Framework and its recommendations.
- Detailed exploration of supplements like caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine, and dietary nitrates, including their efficacy, appropriate usage, and potential side effects.
- Emphasising a ""food first"" approach while understanding when supplements may be beneficial.

Through real-world case studies, participants will learn to apply these principles to support athletes across various sports and fitness levels. This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring participants are equipped to make informed, impactful nutritional recommendations.