Graduate Certificate in Genetic Influences on Sports Nutrition
Published on June 28, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today we're talking with Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in sports nutrition and the course coordinator for the Graduate Certificate in Genetic Influences on Sports Nutrition. Dr. Smith, can you tell us about your personal experiences that led you to this unique field? GUEST: Absolutely, I've always been fascinated by the intersection of genetics, sports, and nutrition. Working with athletes, I noticed individual differences in response to nutritional strategies, which led me to explore the genetic factors influencing sports nutrition. HOST: That's fascinating. How does genomics, specifically nutrigenomics and epigenetics, play a role in athletic performance? GUEST: Nutrigenomics examines the interaction between genes and nutrition, helping us understand how genetic variations can affect nutrient metabolism and requirements. Epigenetics, on the other hand, looks at modifications in gene expression without changing the DNA sequence, which can be influenced by diet and lifestyle factors, ultimately impacting athletic performance. HOST: I see. As a professional in this field, what challenges have you faced or observed in personalizing nutritional strategies based on individual genetic predispositions? GUEST: One major challenge is the accessibility and affordability of genetic testing. Additionally, interpreting genetic data and translating it into actionable nutritional recommendations can be complex and requires ongoing research and education. HOST: What current industry trends do you think are most relevant to this graduate certificate course? GUEST: Precision medicine and personalized nutrition are rapidly gaining traction. The sports nutrition industry is increasingly recognizing the importance of individual genetic differences, making this certificate highly relevant and timely. HOST: That's exciting. Finally, where do you see the future of personalized sports nutrition heading, and how does this course prepare students for that future? GUEST: I believe personalized sports nutrition will become the standard of care, with genetic testing and targeted nutritional interventions becoming more widespread. Our course equips students with the knowledge and skills to be at the forefront of this evolution, empowering them to make a real difference in athletes' lives. HOST: Dr. Jane Smith, thank you for sharing your insights with us today. We're confident that this graduate certificate will empower sports nutritionists and exercise physiologists to advance their careers and lead the future of personalized sports nutrition. GUEST: Thank you for having me. It's been a pleasure.
