New CPD-Accredited Diploma Gives Learners the Evidence-Based Skills to Fuel Performance, Assess Supplements, and Build Nutrition Plans That Actually Work
In a world flooded with wellness influencers, supplement marketing, and constantly shifting dietary trends, evidence-based sports nutrition has never been harder to find — or more urgently needed. Athletes at every level, from recreational gym-goers to competitive sportspeople, are making fuelling decisions shaped more by social media than science. The International Olympic Committee, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the American College of Sports Medicine have all identified the gap between established sports nutrition science and public understanding as a significant concern. Misinformation doesn't just undermine performance — it can compromise health.
Alison, one of the world's largest free online learning platforms, is responding with the launch of its new Diploma in Sports Nutrition. This free, CPD-accredited, Advanced-level diploma gives learners a rigorous grounding in the science of performance nutrition — covering energy systems, macronutrient needs, nutrient timing, hydration, supplementation, and specialist dietary approaches — so they can make and support decisions based on evidence, not trends.
The Science of Fuelling Performance
The diploma opens with the foundational science: how the body produces energy across different systems, how fuel sources shift depending on exercise intensity and duration, and what body composition means across different sporting contexts. From there, learners move into applied nutrition — estimating daily carbohydrate and protein needs based on training demands, planning meals around training, competition, and recovery, and understanding the role of vitamins, minerals, fluids, and electrolytes in supporting active people.
Supplementation, Labelling, and Specialist Populations
One of the diploma's most practical sections addresses the supplement landscape directly — equipping learners to assess supplements for their benefits, safety, quality, and the evidence that supports them, and to read food labels critically while recognising misleading nutrition claims. The course also covers nutrition planning for endurance, strength, team, and recreational sports, and extends to specialist populations including vegetarian and vegan athletes, young athletes, and those managing weight. Learners will finish the diploma knowing when a situation calls for personalised guidance from a specialist.
Expert Insight from a Registered Dietitian
The Diploma in Sports Nutrition was reviewed by Brenda Peralta, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with over ten years of experience translating clinical nutrition science into practical, everyday guidance. A Precision Nutrition Level 1 coach currently completing a master's degree in Sports Nutrition and Supplementation, Brenda has worked across health content, coaching, and editorial review, helping brands and individuals apply evidence-based nutrition strategies that support long-term success.
"Sports nutrition is full of noise. This course cuts through all that noise and gives learners the science behind fueling performance, so they can make evidence-based decisions, not just follow trends." — Brenda Peralta, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator
Mike Feerick, Founder and CEO of Alison, said:
"Nutrition is one of the most contested spaces on the internet, and athletes — at every level — deserve better than marketing dressed up as advice. This diploma gives learners the scientific foundation to cut through the noise, understand what their bodies actually need, and support others in doing the same. That's the kind of knowledge that changes outcomes."
The Diploma in Sports Nutrition is free to access and CPD-accredited, with a diploma available to learners who successfully complete the course. It is suited to fitness professionals, health coaches, athletes, and anyone looking to build a credible, science-based foundation in performance nutrition.
Enrol now at: https://alison.com/course/diploma-in-sports-nutrition
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About Alison
Alison is a global leader in free online learning and skills development. With over 50 million registered learners across 193 countries (as of October 2025), Alison empowers individuals, communities, and organisations to upskill quickly and effectively – at zero cost.
The Alison platform provides immediate access to over 6,000 free, CPD-accredited courses, covering essential areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Business Operations, Healthcare and Sustainability. Courses are created by a mix of independent experts and global leaders, including IBM, Stanford and Microsoft.
For organisations, Alison offers a Free Learning Management System (LMS) that enables unlimited learners to access thousands of courses with no upfront cost. A premium version with advanced analytics and customisation is also available. Alison's offering includes a full suite of assessments and psychometric tools, including a Workplace Personality Assessment, Mental Health & Wellbeing Assessment, English Language Proficiency Test, as well as Numerical, Verbal, and Abstract Reasoning tests.
To further support career development, learners also gain access to a Career Guide, a Resumé Builder, and the ability to study offline through the Alison App. The platform is also expanding its reach with multilingual versions, starting with complete Spanish, French, and Hindi offerings — reaffirming its mission to make education accessible to anyone, anywhere.
Founded in 2007, Alison pioneered the concept of free, large-scale online learning and is recognised as the world’s first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) platform. Today, its mission continues: to break down barriers to learning, helping people gain skills, build confidence, and improve their lives — no matter where they live or what they earn.
