Learning objectives
The ability to interpret the effect of nutrients/foods/diets on human physiology and metabolism under healthy conditions.
The ability to understand the mechanisms related to the recognition and control of food introduction.
The ability to understand the nutritional quality of foods.
The basic knowledge with respect to the nutritional needs of the population.
The basic elements of setting nutritionally adequate diets in population groups.
A description of the main tools used to estimate dietary adequacy.
Finally, basic concepts of environmental sustainability related to food.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of chemistry and biochemistry.
Course unit content
Physiology of the gastro-intestinal system; digestion and absorption of the macronutrients; quality of the macronutrients; micronutrients and other compounds of nutritional interest; food groups; LARN; Guidelines for healthy eating; nutritional labeling.
Full programme
Physiology of the gastro-intestinal system: morphology and functions of the gastro-intestinal system, including organs and accessory glands.
Digestion and absorption of macronutrients.
Nutritional quality of macronutrients.
Micronutrients: vitamins and minerals.
Other nutrients/compounds of nutritional interest: water, alcohol, phytocompounds.
Food groups: Mediterranean Diet, 5 food groups.
LARN.
Guidelines for proper nutrition.
Nutritional labeling: nutrition claims, health claims.
Functional foods.
Environmental sustainability of the diet.
Bibliography
- SINU. LARN - Livelli di Assunzione di Riferimento di Nutrienti ed Energia. IV revisione. SICS Editore, (Milano)
- Mariani-Costantini, Cannella, Tomassi. Alimentazione e Nutrizione Umana. Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore (Roma)
- CREA. Linee guida per una sana alimentazione. Revisione 2018. ISBN 9788833850375
Teaching methods
Frontal classes with the use of slides.
Assessment methods and criteria
The learning will be assessed by a written (multiple answers) test divided into two parts and an optional oral examination.
The written test will consist of two parts.
Part 1: 21 closed-ended questions for the assessment of basic knowledge required to pass the exam, through meeting the minimum threshold (at least 18 correct answers).
Part 2: 12 closed-ended questions for the assessment of more specific knowledge; it is possible to enter Part 2 if Part 1 is scored at least 18 correct answers. The score obtained in Part 2 must be added to the previous one to reach the final score (21 to 33 points).
For both parts, each correct answer for the closed questions is 1 point. Wrong answer is 0 point.
Achieving a sufficiency (18/30) in the written test is binding for taking the optional oral test.
With the oral test, it is possible to worsen (up to -3 points) or improve (up to +3 points) the final result of the written tests.
Other information
The teaching material is projected during lessons and it could be downloaded from ELLY website.
