Learning objectives

The course aims to provide the biochemical basis to understand the nutritional role of food, with reference to the processes of metabolic transformation, and to present the biochemical aspects of food intolerances and allergies. Furthermore, the course aims to offer a modern vision of the biochemistry of nutrition through an analysis of the following aspects: methods of controlling metabolism; enzymatic defects and related pathologies. On this basis, knowledge is provided on the biochemical aspects of specific nutrients and bioactive compounds,
as well as their role in the activation of specific metabolic pathways. Moreover, during the course, tools are provided to understand the biochemical aspects connected with the main metabolic dysfunctions that can lead to the onset of diseases.

Examination methods: The examination at the end of the course aims to assess the achievement of learning objectives:
- to know the macro- and micronutrients in common foods, their dietary intake and requirements;
- to know the metabolic role of nutrients as a function of their bioavailability in conditions of both nutritional and assimilation deficiencies;
- to have acquired ability to expose the course contents using discipline-specific terminology.