IBCLC certificants need a basis understanding of the role and function of food nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Courses in nutrition or biochemistry provide this background education.
Personal fitness or wellness courses do not satisfy the nutrition requirement.
The table below describes typical courses that meet the nutrition requirement.
| Typical Course Name | Typical Course Description |
| Principles of Human Nutrition | A comprehensive introduction to human nutrition, focusing on the anatomical, biochemical, and physiological aspects of nutrition. The essential nutrients and their role in human metabolism are covered in detail, and the course’s systemic approach places a strong emphasis on integration of metabolism. Discussion sections focus on applied aspects of human nutrition, including dietary assessment. |
| Introduction to the Nutritional Sciences | The course provides an introduction to the principles and concepts of nutritional science. The course will emphasise human nutritional needs and encompass the fields of medicine, biochemistry, physiology, dietetics, food science, and social science as they apply to the role of nutrition on human growth, cell function and health. It is expected that you will gain knowledge of the mechanisms of nutrient functions in the body. This will include an understanding of the nutrient content of foods; the biochemical processes by which they are digested, absorbed, transported and metabolised in the body, as well as the chemical functions nutrients perform within tissues in order to maintain normal cell growth and homeostasis. You will also increase your understanding of the roles of specific nutrients in a balanced diet for the promotion of optimal health. |
| Biochemistry 101 | A general overview for graduate and advanced undergraduate students in agricultural, biological, chemical and nutritional sciences. Chemistry of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids; vitamins; enzymes; protein structure; carbohydrate metabolism. |