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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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/aiif6b/making
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What's inside
Syllabus
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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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Create your own learning path.
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Reviews summary
Making sense of supplements: evidence-based insights
According to students, "Making Sense of Supplements" is a largely positive experience, highly praised for its ability to provide evidence-based information and cut through marketing hype. Learners consistently highlight the clear and concise explanations, making complex topics easy to understand. The course is seen as delivering practical applications, empowering individuals to make informed choices for personal health or to confidently guide clients. While broadly beneficial for both fitness professionals and general wellness enthusiasts, some learners suggest it is primarily suitable for beginners to intermediate learners, with experienced professionals potentially seeking more advanced content.
Beneficial for both professionals and general wellness enthusiasts.
"This course is valuable for trainers and also for the general public interested in health."
"It's a great resource for anyone interested in nutrition and overall health, regardless of background."
"I'd recommend it for fitness/wellness professionals and the general public alike for navigating supplement info."
"Good for professionals and personal use, helping me cut through the noise of supplement advertising."
Complex topics are explained in an easy-to-understand manner.
"Everything was easy to understand, even for someone new to the topic of nutritional supplements."
"The course breaks down complex information effectively without being overwhelming, which I appreciate."
"It is well-organized and easy to follow, making complicated topics about supplements perfectly clear."
"The clear explanations help me make informed choices about supplements with confidence and understanding."
Offers actionable knowledge for personal use and client guidance.
"The course delivers practical knowledge that I can apply immediately to my own health and when advising others."
"It gave me confidence in discussing supplements with my clients, providing reliable, actionable advice."
"I learned practical advice for helping my clients navigate supplement choices effectively and safely."
"The insights are applicable to both my daily life and professional work, making it truly valuable."
Provides scientifically backed information on supplements.
"This course provides fantastic and very relevant research-backed explanations on supplements."
"I found it to be clear, concise, and evidence-based, crucial for understanding supplements and cutting through hype."
"It helped me differentiate research-supported hope from marketing hype, focusing on scientific evidence."
"The reliance on research and factual information is top-notch, allowing me to trust the advice given."
Primarily suited for beginners to intermediate learners.
"While very informative, I felt it covered the basics well, but could be more advanced for experienced professionals."
"It's great for beginners in the field, but I was hoping for a bit more advanced material for a seasoned practitioner."
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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'
Show steps
Enhance your understanding with a foundational text on exercise physiology.
View
Exercise Physiology: Nutrition, Energy, and...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the assigned chapters
-
Take notes and highlight key concepts
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Join a study group to discuss concepts
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Gather notes and past assignments
Show steps
Bring together resources to improve your learning experience.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather notes from previous courses
- Collect past assignments and quizzes
Review basic anatomy and physiology
Show steps
Review the basics to set yourself up for success.
Browse courses on
Anatomy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the skeletal and muscular systems
- Review the respiratory and circulatory systems
Read 'Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance'
Show steps
Enhance your understanding with a foundational text on exercise physiology.
View
Exercise Physiology: Nutrition, Energy, and...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the assigned chapters
- Take notes and highlight key concepts
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Join a study group to discuss concepts
Show steps
Engage with peers to enhance your understanding.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study group or create your own
- Meet regularly to discuss course material
Watch video tutorials on exercise science
Show steps
Supplement the course material with expert insights.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for tutorials on specific topics
- Take notes while watching the tutorials
Mentor a newer student in the exercise science program
Show steps
Share your knowledge and support the success of others.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Apply your knowledge to create a personalized fitness plan.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Gain practical experience and give back to the community.
Show steps
Show steps
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 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 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.
Personal Trainer
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.
Nutritional Therapist
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.
Health Policy Analyst
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.
Wellness Coach
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.
Registered Dietitian
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.
Exercise Physiologist
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.
Pharmacist
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.
Research Scientist
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.
Nutrition and Wellness Consultant
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.
Laboratory Scientist
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 and Wellness Manager
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.
Health Educator
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.
Medical Writer
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/aiif6b/making
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.
Save
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.
Save
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.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of exercise physiology, including the physiological adaptations to exercise, the role of nutrition in performance, and the use of exercise in the prevention and treatment of disease.
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.
Save
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.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/aiif6b/making
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Effort
3 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
National Academy of Sports Medicine
Instructor
NASM Faculty
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Nutrition Education for the Consumer. It's comprised of five courses:
- Understanding Food Labels and Portion Sizes
- Making Sense of Supplements (viewing)
- Plant-Based Diets
- Navigating Diets
- Nutrition Hot Topics and Controversies
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