78799 - Nutritional Physiology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student knows the physiological bases of nutritional science and can draw up diets, carry out training and control activities in the public and private sectors related to nutrition. In particular, the student can work independently as a nutritionist, in private and public laboratories, in hospitals, in Health Service facilities or within industries in the agri-food sector.

Course contents

Below are the topics covered in class and insights into specific and current topics.

Main topics

Functions of the digestive system

Motility of the digestive system

Gastrointestinal secretions

Digestion and absorption of macro and micronutrients

The adipose organ

The intestinal microbiome

Hunger, appetite, satiety.

The Enteric Nervous System

The gut-brain axis

Taste

The role of insulinemia

Energy metabolism

Energy balance and regulation of nutrient intake

Evolution of nutrition in humans

Evolution of food consumption

Foods and nutrients

Food consumption and diets

Environmental sustainability of diets

Focus on:

Reflux esophagitis

Pharmacological control of gastric hyperacidity

Helicobacter pylori

Gallbladder lithiasis

Dyslipidemias and atherosclerosis

Metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes

Probiotics and prebiotics

Overweight and obesity

Product labeling

LARN and RDA

The glycemic index of foods and meals

Dietary fiber

Excess protein and gout

Water and water balance

Bioflavonoids, terpenes, phytosterols

Food additives

Sweeteners

Food diaries and personalized nutritional plans

The role of nutritionists

Vegetarian and vegan diets

Ultra-processed foods (NOVA4)

Recognizing eating disorders.

Practical part:

Anthropometric assessment in practice: Comparison of skinfold caliper and BIA (Laboratory with skinfold caliper and BIA) Analysis of food diaries using nutritional software. Identification and correction of the main errors. Formulation of correct, personalized and sustainable nutritional plans using nutritional software.

Readings/Bibliography

https://www.edisesuniversita.it/scienze_di_base/debellis-alimentazione-nutrizione-e-salute.html

Teaching methods

Interactive lectures on PowerPoint presentations and seminars. Work groups for the construction of personalized nutritional plans.

Assessment methods

Ongoing report using nutritional software. Optional written exam in pre-exam (June). Oral exams on a monthly basis.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations, selection and discussion of recent scientific articles.

Office hours

See the website of Enzo Spisni