Are day-to-day dietary supplements safe for athletes? Are they compliant with international anti-doping regulations? A new elective course at the Mann School — PHRD 642 Sports and Dietary Supplements — explores how pharmacists can help athletes of all levels make safer, evidence-based decisions.
The two-unit elective is taught by Kari Franson, professor of clinical pharmacy and director of the sports pharmacy program; Ashley Anderson, sports pharmacist and founder of the International Sports Pharmacists Network; and several certified sports specialist dietitians.
Students examine a wide range of dietary supplements, including vitamins and minerals, protein supplements, creatine, caffeine, over-the-counter medications, hormonal and sleep aids, as well as banned and illegal substances. They learn to take a food-first approach from the Dieticians and will also use tools like Global Drug Reference Online from the World Anti-Doping Agency to evaluate doping risks.
“Dietary supplements are a fast-growing market — for all levels of athletes, from kids in school, those recovering from injury and aging athletes trying to maintain their sport. Misleading marketing can put athletes at risk of adverse effects or even inadvertent doping,” Franson says. “This course helps future pharmacists understand the supplements market, regulations and risks, so they can better educate athletes on safe and effective supplement use.”
The course culminates with student-led seminar presentations on dietary ingredients and chemicals found in supplements. Students will be able to identify the risks and benefits of supplement use, explain regulatory frameworks, and counsel athletes on making informed, ethical, and safe choices.
PHRD 642 Sports and Dietary Supplements adds to the Mann School’s existing lineup of innovative courses in sports pharmacy, including PHRD 640 Sports Pharmacy and PHRD 641 Focused Sports Physical Assessment and Drug Management. The sports pharmacy program is available as an academic certificate for PharmD students and a standalone executive certificate for practicing pharmacists.