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ACE-CPT · Chapter 6

Nutrition for Health & Fitness

Scope of practice, Dietary Guidelines, DRIs & AMDRs, food labels, sports nutrition, hydration, and supplements — the nutrition knowledge every ACE CPT needs.

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35Case Studies
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Scope · Dietary Guidelines · Food Labels · Sports Nutrition · Hydration · Supplements

Chapter 6 Theory Quiz

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Chapter 6 Case Studies

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Nutrition Scope of Practice

✓ Within Scope (All PTs)

  • Share federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans & MyPlate
  • Discuss general nutrition topics covered by ACE
  • Distribute material developed by an RD or physician
  • Refer clients to RDs or health coaches

✗ Outside Scope (All PTs)

  • Individualized meal plans / caloric & macro targets
  • Nutritional assessment of needs/status
  • Counseling to prevent, treat, or cure disease
  • Prescribing supplements; medical nutrition therapy

DRIs & AMDRs

TermMeaning
EARAdequate for 50% of group
RDAAdequate for 97–98% of group
ULSafe maximum (toxicity risk)
AIUsed when no EAR/RDA data
MacroAMDRRDA
Carbohydrate45–65%130 g/day
Protein10–35%0.8 g/kg/day
Total Fat20–35%
Added Sugars<10%
Saturated Fat<10%
Sodium<2,300 mg

Dietary Guidelines & Patterns

4 Key Guidelines1) Healthy pattern at every life stage · 2) Customize to preference/culture/budget · 3) Meet needs with nutrient-dense foods (~85% of cals) · 4) Limit added sugars, saturated fat, sodium, alcohol
US-StyleTypical American intake in nutrient-dense forms; higher dairy & meat
MediterraneanMore fruit & seafood, less dairy; ↓ CVD & T2DM risk
VegetarianNo meat/poultry/seafood; higher calcium & fiber, lower vitamin D

Food Labels & Claims

%DV Rule5% DV = low · 20% DV = high. Calories: 40 = low, 100 = moderate, 400+ = high
Health ClaimFood↔disease link. Requires FDA authorization / authoritative body
Nutrient Content Claim"free," "high," "low," "lite." "Healthy" = FDA-defined fat/sat-fat/cholesterol/sodium levels
Structure/Function ClaimDSHEA-regulated. No FDA preapproval; must carry FDA disclaimer
2016 RedesignAdded sugars listed separately; vitamin D & potassium required; calories enlarged

Sports Nutrition Timing

PhaseCarbohydrateKey Points
Pre (meal)1.0–4.5 g/kg4–6 hrs before; high carb, low fat/fiber, moderate protein, 400–800 cal
Pre (snack)~50 g + 5–10 g protein30–60 min before; boosts late-workout glucose
During30–60 g/hourFor exercise >60 min; 15–20 min intervals; 6–8% CHO drink
Post1.2 g/kg/hour15–30 min intervals, first 4–6 hrs; add protein for repair

Hydration & Risks

PhaseRecommendation
Before5–7 mL/kg, ≥4 hrs prior (begin euhydrated)
DuringMatch sweat rate; prevent >2% body-weight loss; 20–30 mEq/L Na
After1.5 L per kg body weight lost if rapid recovery
DehydrationSweat loss > fluid intake. Risk: heat, intensity, low intake → heat illness
HyponatremiaLow blood sodium from EXCESS fluid. Risk: ≥4 hr events, weight gain during exercise

Supplements (DSHEA: safe until proven unsafe; not FDA pre-evaluated)

Evidence-SupportedDose / NoteLittle/No Evidence
Creatine monohydrateLoad 20 g/day ×5–7 d, then 3–5 g/dayGlutamine
Caffeine3–6 mg/kg, 30–60 min preArginine
Post-exercise CHO1.2 g/kg/hr, 15–30 min intervalsCarnitine
Whey & casein proteinWhey fast / casein slow; combo = best strength
Sodium bicarbonate0.2–0.4 g/kg, 60–120 min pre (GI risk)
β-alanine3–6 g/day ×4–10 wks; benefits 60–240 s efforts
⚠ Always referRecommending specific supplements is outside PT scope — refer to an RD or physician regardless of personal knowledge.