Biochemistry and Human Nutrition

The course aims to:
- provide biochemical-molecular notions underlying digestion, distribution and processing of nutrients, specific organ/tissue metabolic fates, regulation of metabolism and management of the body's energy reserves;
- provide knowledge related to the physiology of the gastrointestinal system and human nutrition. Skills will be provided relating to the needs, physiological roles of macro and micronutrients, as well as their distribution in foods. Particular attention will be given to the needs in different physiological states.
Furthermore, through biochemistry exercise activity in classroom, the student will develop the knowledge and the critical skills on the metabolic interactions between organs in conditions of good nutrition, fasting and prolonged fasting and the metabolic impact of some natural products.

The skills acquired will allow the student to understand the biochemical nature of foods, their physiological functions and the associated molecular and metabolic mechanisms. Furthermore, the student will also develop a critical skills for understanding the role of food and nutrients in health and disease.