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NASM Faculty

No matter how hard you try, there is no escaping the endless stream of advertising for all the nutritional supplements out there. From protein and creatine to caffeine and other more-controversial performance aids, there is something tailored to every health, wellness, and fitness goal. This course has been designed to help explore some of the most common trends in the nutritional supplementation landscape and to help separate research-supported hope from marketing hype. You will learn the regulations and guidelines for supplement selections, evidence-based supplements for muscle, supplements that may or may not help with those weight management, in addition to those that have been shown to support athletic performance.

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No matter how hard you try, there is no escaping the endless stream of advertising for all the nutritional supplements out there. From protein and creatine to caffeine and other more-controversial performance aids, there is something tailored to every health, wellness, and fitness goal. This course has been designed to help explore some of the most common trends in the nutritional supplementation landscape and to help separate research-supported hope from marketing hype. You will learn the regulations and guidelines for supplement selections, evidence-based supplements for muscle, supplements that may or may not help with those weight management, in addition to those that have been shown to support athletic performance.

With over 30 years as a leader in fitness and wellness education, the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has built its reputation on providing an evidence-based curriculum that is both relevant and applicable for those seeking the skills and knowledge required to promote optimal health.

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Syllabus

NASM's Making Sense of Supplements
No matter how hard you try, there is no escaping the endless stream of advertising for all the nutritional supplements out there. From protein and creatine to caffeine and other more-controversial performance aids, there is something tailored to every health, wellness, and fitness goal. This course has been designed to help explore some of the most common trends in the nutritional supplementation landscape and to help separate research-supported hope from marketing hype. You will learn the regulations and guidelines for supplement selections, evidence-based supplements for muscle, supplements that may or may not help with those weight management, in addition to those that have been shown to support athletic performance.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines exercise nutrition and emphasizes supplements
Led by faculty from National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), an established fitness and wellness organization
Investigates supplements' regulations and policies
Explores performance improvement supplements, such as caffeine and creatine
Provides evidence-backed knowledge on supplements for weight management
This course may be useful for fitness professionals and individuals seeking to enhance their understanding of supplements

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Making Sense of Supplements with these activities:
Gather notes and past assignments
Bring together resources to improve your learning experience.
Show steps
  • Gather notes from previous courses
  • Collect past assignments and quizzes
Review basic anatomy and physiology
Review the basics to set yourself up for success.
Browse courses on Anatomy
Show steps
  • Review the skeletal and muscular systems
  • Review the respiratory and circulatory systems
Read 'Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance'
Enhance your understanding with a foundational text on exercise physiology.
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  • Read the assigned chapters
  • Take notes and highlight key concepts
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Join a study group to discuss concepts
Engage with peers to enhance your understanding.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or create your own
  • Meet regularly to discuss course material
Watch video tutorials on exercise science
Supplement the course material with expert insights.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on specific topics
  • Take notes while watching the tutorials
Mentor a newer student in the exercise science program
Share your knowledge and support the success of others.
Show steps
  • Identify a newer student who could benefit from your guidance
  • Meet regularly to provide support and answer questions
Develop a workout plan for a specific goal
Apply your knowledge to create a personalized fitness plan.
Show steps
  • Identify your fitness goals
  • Research different exercises and their benefits
  • Design a workout plan that incorporates these exercises
Contribute to an open-source fitness project
Gain practical experience and give back to the community.
Show steps
  • Identify a suitable open-source fitness project
  • Contribute code or documentation to the project

Career center

Learners who complete Making Sense of Supplements will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Sports Dietitian
Sports Dietitians provide nutritional advice to athletes and sports teams. They may work with athletes to improve their performance and recovery. This course may be useful for people seeking employment as a Sports Dietitian because it can help them build a foundational knowledge of the supplements used to enhance athletic performance.
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Strength and Conditioning Coaches work with clients to improve their physical fitness and athletic performance. They may teach clients about diet and exercise. This course may be useful for people seeking employment as a Strength and Conditioning Coach because it can help them build a foundational knowledge of supplements, particularly those that support athletic performance.
Nutritional Therapist
Nutritional Therapists provide nutritional advice to individuals and groups. They may work in private practice or in conjunction with other healthcare professionals. This course may be useful for people seeking employment as a Nutritional Therapist because it can help them build a foundational knowledge of how supplements can be used to support client health goals.
Personal Trainer
Personal Trainers work with clients to improve their physical fitness and overall health. They may teach clients about diet and exercise. This course may be useful for people seeking employment as a Personal Trainer because it can help them build a foundational knowledge of supplements and how they can be used to support client health goals.
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analysts research and analyze health policy issues. They may work for government agencies, think tanks, or other organizations. This course may be useful for people seeking employment as a Health Policy Analyst because it can help them build a foundational knowledge of the role of supplements in health policy.
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct research to investigate health and disease. They may work in universities, hospitals, or other settings. This course may be useful for people seeking employment as a Research Scientist because it can help them build a foundational knowledge of the role of supplements in health and disease.
Exercise Physiologist
Exercise physiologists work with clients to improve their physical fitness and overall health. They may teach clients about diet and exercise. This course may be useful for people seeking employment as an Exercise Physiologist because it can help them build a foundational knowledge of supplements and how they can be used to enhance athletic performance.
Nutrition and Wellness Consultant
Nutrition and Wellness Consultants advise clients on diet, weight loss, and overall health and well-being. Many teach clients about the benefits of exercise and supplementation. This course may be useful for people seeking employment as a Nutrition and Wellness Consultant because it can help them build a knowledge of how supplements can support client health goals.
Registered Dietitian
Registered Dietitians provide nutritional advice to individuals and groups. They may work in hospitals, clinics, schools, or other settings. This course may be useful for people seeking employment as a Registered Dietitian because it can help them build a foundational knowledge of supplementation and how it can be used to support client health.
Wellness Coach
Wellness Coaches work with clients to improve their overall health and well-being, often in conjunction with other healthcare professionals. They may teach clients about diet and exercise. This course may be useful for people seeking employment as a Wellness Coach because it can help them build a knowledge base about supplementation to support client health goals.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide advice on their use. They may work in pharmacies, hospitals, or other settings. This course may be useful for people seeking employment as a Pharmacist because it can help them build a foundational knowledge of supplements and their interactions with prescription drugs.
Health and Wellness Manager
Health and Wellness Managers oversee the health and wellness programs of businesses and organizations. They may work with employees to improve their health and well-being. This course may be useful for people seeking employment as a Health and Wellness Manager because it can help them build a foundational knowledge of supplements and how they can be used to support employee health.
Medical Writer
Medical Writers write and edit medical and health-related materials. They may work for pharmaceutical companies, medical journals, or other organizations. This course may be useful for people seeking employment as a Medical Writer because it can help them build a foundational knowledge of supplements and their role in health and disease.
Laboratory Scientist
Laboratory Scientists perform tests and analyze samples to provide information about health and disease. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or other settings. This course may be useful for people seeking employment as a Laboratory Scientist because it can help them build a foundational knowledge of the role of supplements in health and disease.
Health Educator
Health Educators teach individuals and groups about health and wellness. They may work in schools, community centers, or other settings. This course may be useful for people seeking employment as a Health Educator because it can help them build a foundational knowledge of supplements and how they can be used to support health goals.

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Making Sense of Supplements.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on nutrient timing, a cutting-edge field of nutrition that explores the optimal timing of nutrient intake to maximize performance and health. It valuable resource for those seeking in-depth knowledge of the topic and its practical applications.
This comprehensive guide provides evidence-based information on a wide range of supplements, including their uses, benefits, side effects, and interactions. It valuable reference tool for health professionals and anyone seeking reliable information on supplements.
This massive encyclopedia provides detailed information on the health benefits of over 200 foods. It includes sections on vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, making it a valuable resource for those interested in nutrition and health.
This popular book offers a comprehensive overview of vitamins and minerals, including their sources, functions, and potential health benefits. It useful reference for anyone interested in learning more about essential nutrients.
This publication provides official dietary guidance for Americans. It includes recommendations for healthy eating, including the types and amounts of supplements that may be beneficial.
This comprehensive encyclopedia provides detailed information on a wide range of natural remedies, including herbs, supplements, and alternative therapies. It valuable resource for consumers and healthcare professionals seeking in-depth knowledge of natural medicine.
This practical guide provides evidence-based information on the use of supplements and functional foods in clinical practice. It covers the safety, efficacy, and interactions of various supplements and offers guidance on their use for specific health conditions.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of anatomy and physiology, with a focus on the human body in health and disease. It valuable resource for healthcare professionals who need to understand the structure and function of the human body.
This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on the roles of vitamins and minerals in human health. It covers their sources, functions, deficiencies, and toxicities, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking in-depth knowledge of this topic.
This reference guide provides comprehensive information on over 2,000 nutritional supplements, including their ingredients, uses, dosages, and potential interactions. It valuable resource for healthcare professionals and consumers seeking up-to-date information on supplements.
This comprehensive report from the Institute of Medicine provides a critical assessment of the safety and efficacy of dietary supplements. It covers the regulatory framework for supplements and offers recommendations for improving their safety and effectiveness.
This accessible guide provides practical information on vitamins and minerals, their functions, deficiencies, and recommended intakes. It valuable resource for consumers seeking a user-friendly overview of this topic.
This concise guide by renowned physician Andrew Weil provides a practical overview of essential supplements. It covers their benefits, safety, and how to choose the right ones for individual needs.

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