Dietistic

Activity type

Scienze biomediche

SSD

BIOS-07/A

Year

1st year

Semester

2nd semester

CFU

2

Hours distribution

20 classroom hours

Lecturers

ANNA MARIA GIUSTI

Activity type

Scienze della dietistica

SSD

MEDS-08/C

Year

1st year

Semester

2nd semester

CFU

4

Hours distribution

40 classroom hours

Lecturers

STEFANO MENINI
LUIGI LATINO
PATRIZIA ANDREOLI

By the end of the course, the student will be expected to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the chemical nature of nutrients, micronutrients, and functional compounds, as well as an understanding of the main metabolic pathways and their regulation at the molecular and cellular levels. The student will be able to describe the logic governing intermediate metabolic fluxes and explain how the activation of specific hormonal cascades, through receptor-mediated mechanisms, contributes to the fine control of metabolism. Moreover, the student will be capable of critically interpreting how disturbances in these metabolic processes can underlie the onset of cellular and systemic pathologies. Finally, the student will be able to communicate using appropriate scientific and technical language and integrate the acquired knowledge to pursue further studies and specialized training in the field of nutritional biochemistry

A prerequisite for the course is a fundamental knowledge of general biology and inorganic and organic chemistry

1. Nutrients and Foods:
Main macronutrients and micronutrients present in different food groups (cereals, milk and dairy products, legumes, fruits, and vegetables).
Chemical structure and nutritional role of macronutrients (carbohydrates, lipids and proteins).
Enzymes, enzymes kinetics, regulatory enzymes. Allosterism.
2. Principles of Metabolism:
Fundamentals of metabolism: anabolism and catabolism.
Role of ATP. Cellular respiration and carbohydrate metabolism
Degradative metabolism of triglycerides and proteins. Ketone bodies
Digestion, absorption, and utilization of nutrients at the cellular level.
Integration of the main metabolic pathways.
3. Biochemical Regulation:
Overview of hormonal regulation of carbohydrate metabolism: role of insulin and glucagon.
Regulatory aspects of nutrient and bioactive compound metabolism.
4. Metabolism of Specific Compounds:
Overview of nucleic acid metabolism and major minerals: calcium, phosphate, and iron.
Nutritional role and biochemical functions of water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins
Biological function of water and its role in metabolism.
5. Nutrition and Biochemical Function of Functional Compounds:
Biochemical properties of functional compounds present in foods.
Nutritional and physiological implications for health.

Recommended books: Alimentazione e Nutrizione Umana – Il Pensiero Scietifico Ed – 3^ ed
Costantini, Cannella, Tomassi.
D Nielsen & M Cox: Introduzione alla Biochimica di Lehninger. Zanichelli editore
P Ritter, fondamenti di Biochimica. Zanichelli editore.
Ricciardi, Pacioni, Giacco, Rivellese - MANUALE DI NUTRIZIONE APPLICATA - IDELSON GNOCCHI

Module:
N/D
Module:
N/D

Teaching activities are mainly carried out through frontal lectures, organized in a progressive way to ensure an in-depth understanding of nutrients, metabolic pathways, and regulatory mechanisms. Lectures are enriched with interactive moments, such as guided questions, discussions, and case studies, which foster active participation and the development of a critical approach to the interpretation of metabolic disturbances and related pathologies.
Elements of flipped classroom are occasionally introduced, with preliminary reading or study materials assigned in advance, so that classroom time can be devoted to discussion and problem solving. Particular attention is also given to the use of technical and scientific language, encouraging students to re-elaborate and communicate concepts with appropriate terminology, in line with the expected learning outcomes.

Compulsory attendance required by the course of study. The student must achieve 67% attendance in each module of the teaching in order to take the exam

The assessment of the achievement of the objectives set by the subject includes a written test that will cover the entire course program with open questions. Through questions regarding the contents of the course, it will be ascertained whether the student has achieved the objective of knowledge and understanding of the contents.

Describe the chemical structure and nutritional role of specific macronutrients or micronutrients.
Explain the differences between anabolic and catabolic processes and their integration in major metabolic pathways.
Describe the structural levels of proteins and their functions in the human body.
Illustrate the hormonal regulation of carbohydrate metabolism (insulin, glucagon).
Analyze the metabolism of specific compounds, such as nucleic acids or minerals (calcium, phosphate, iron), and the role of water in metabolic processes.
Discuss the biochemical properties and nutritional implications of functional food compounds.
Problem-based exercises linking metabolic disturbances to potential pathophysiological outcomes.

• Chemical structure and nutritional role of
  Macronutrients – 10 hours · Major macronutrients and micronutrients: structure
  and function. Enzymes and enzyme kinetics. Enzyme inhibitors. Regulatory
  enzymes.
  
   
  • Books: Teaching
    
    materials provided by the instructor (slides, handouts) and selected sections
    
    of reference textbooks indicated during the lectures.


• Principles of metabolism – 10 hours- Cellular
  Bioenergetics. Catabolic and Anabolic Pathways. Role of ATP. Carbohydrate
  Catabolism and Cellular Respiration. Degradative Metabolism of Triglycerides
  and Proteins 
  • Books: Teaching
    
    materials provided by the instructor (slides, handouts) and selected sections
    
    of reference textbooks indicated during the lectures.


• Introduction to
  nutrients and foods – 10 hours Main macronutrients and micronutrients in food
  groups Chemical structure and nutritional role of nutrients
  
  
  
  
  Principles of
  metabolism – 15 hours Anabolism and catabolism Digestion, absorption, and
  cellular utilization of nutrients Integration of major metabolic pathways
  
  
  
  
  Biochemical
  regulation – 15 hours Hormonal regulation of carbohydrate metabolism (insulin
  and glucagon) Regulation of metabolic function by nutrients and bioactive
  compounds
  
  
  
  
  Metabolism of
  specific compounds – 10 hours Metabolism of nucleic acids and major minerals
  (calcium, phosphate, iron) Biological function of water and its role in
  metabolism
  
  
  
  
  Nutrition and
  functional compounds – 10 hours Biochemical properties of functional
  compounds in foods Nutritional and physiological implications for health
  • Books: Teaching
    
    materials provided by the instructor (slides, handouts) and selected sections
    
    of reference textbooks indicated during the lectures.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Teaching
    
    materials provided by the instructor (slides, handouts) and selected sections
    
    of reference textbooks indicated during the lectures.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Teaching
    
    materials provided by the instructor (slides, handouts) and selected sections
    
    of reference textbooks indicated during the lectures.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Teaching
    
    materials provided by the instructor (slides, handouts) and selected sections
    
    of reference textbooks indicated during the lectures.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Teaching
    
    materials provided by the instructor (slides, handouts) and selected sections
    
    of reference textbooks indicated during the lectures.