Taylor Hooton Foundation > Hoot’s Corner > Podcasts > Episode 85: Bloodwork Analysis and Athletic Performance – Jennifer Gibson, MS, RD
November 15, 2022
Episode 85: Bloodwork Analysis and Athletic Performance – Jennifer Gibson, MS, RD

The ALL ME® Podcast

Bloodwork Analysis and Athletic Performance – Jennifer Gibson, MS, RD

There are more than 7 billion clinical lab tests performed in the US each year. Some of these tests are part of a routine checkup for individuals while others dive much deeper into evaluating someone’s health. Athletes are no different in that many collegiate, professional, and Olympic athletes have specific blood panels drawn and evaluated before they start their respective seasons. But what is the significance around this as can the results of an athlete’s blood work have any impact on performance markers. In this podcast, we speak with Sports Dietitian Jennifer Gibson who has worked with Olympic and Professional athletes about specific markers that are a critical part of the assessment process of her job. We discuss which markers are most commonly deficient or elevated in athletes along with specific blood work that can influence and athlete’s recovery, strength, and level of inflammation. Furthermore, we dive into common nutrient deficiencies that she has seen on a regular basis along with strategies to correct them.

 Jennifer Gibson, MS, RD, CSSD, IOC DIP SPORT NUTR

Jennifer Gibson is an internationally recognized sport dietitian with 16 years of experience in elite sport. Most recently, Jennifer spent 7 seasons as the lead sport dietitian and sport science coordinator for the Chicago Bears Football Club. Between 2006-2015 she was a senior sport dietitian and applied physiologist with the United States Olympic Committee and within the Canadian Olympic sport system.

Her consulting work has included the New Orleans Saints (2013-15), Vancouver Whitecaps MLS (2006-2011), Women’s Tennis Association Pro Tour (2006-2013) and within the NBA (2013-2014). She has traveled to over 20 countries to service her athletes including 2 Olympic Games (2010, 2012), 2 Pan American Games (2007, 2011), 1 Canada Winter Games (2007), 6 world championships, and hundreds of professional tournaments/games.

Gibson served as an adjunct sport nutrition lecturer for the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs (2011-2015), and was active in research, having published 9 peer reviewed scientific papers and 7 book contributions.

Gibson completed her bachelors of science degree in Nutrition at Ryerson University and her dietetic education at the University Health Network in Toronto, Canada. Her masters in Exercise Science was completed at the University of Victoria in Victoria, Canada. She is a distinguished graduate of the International Olympic Committee Diploma in Sport Nutrition and a Level III certified anthropometrist with the International Society for the Advancement of Anthropometry. Jennifer is also a Board Certified Specialist in Sport Dietetics with the American Academy of Dietetics and Nutrition.

Resource Definitions and Links:

  • Elite Eats: elite-eats.com
  • Join Gatorade Performance Partner, the first multi-disciplinary community of sports performance professionals. You’ll get access to exclusive benefits like complimentary CEUs, science-backed resources, and opportunities to discover all the latest that Gatorade has to offer. Join the community at GatoradePerformancePartner.com
  • Founded in 1985, the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) is committed to helping athletes optimize their health and performance through research and education in hydration and nutrition science. Learn more at GSSIweb.org

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