95818 - Scientific Methodology in Human Nutrition

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will be able to correctly read and interpret the scientific literature relating to human nutrition, with particular reference to the value of the methods applied, the applicability of the results and the methodological limits of what has been read. By extension, the student will be able to plan research activities in the same area. Finally, the student should know and apply the principles for the formulation of dietary patterns related to physiological conditions to promote and maintain a healthy state.

Course contents

- Introduction to the methodology of research applied to nutrition sciences

- Study designs, choice of outcomes, choice of parameters to be studied

- Documents to be prepared for submitting a protocol to an ethics committee

- Basic statistical methodology: which tests to choose for which data distributions and for which outcomes

-Drafting of a study budget

- Critical reading of epidemiological literature and clinical intervention on single dietary components, foods and dietary patterns

-Critical reading of clinical trials on nutraceuticals and functional foods

- Calculation of nutritional requirements according to LARN for individuals and communities; elaboration of basic dietary schemes for the main physiological conditions using the portions of the Guidelines for a Healthy Diet (Prof. ML Petroni)

Readings/Bibliography

Cicero AF. Trattato Italiano di Nutraceutica Clinica. Scripta Manent Ed., Milano, 2017

Colletti A, Cicero AF. Prontuario di nutraceutica ad uso umano. Scripta Manent Ed., Milano, 2021.

Ripoli A. Statistica medica facile. Alice nel paese del p-value. Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore, 2009.

Società Italiana di Nutrizione Umana (SINU). Livelli di Assunzione di Riferimento di Nutrienti ed energia per la popolazione italiana (LARN) revisione 2014. Libro/e-book.

Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l'analisi della Economia agraria (CREA). Dossier Scientifico delle Linee Guida per una sana alimentazione (Edizione 2018) - capitolo 10

Teaching methods

Frontal readings

Critical reading of scientific articles

Critical reading of statistical reports

Use of Excel spreadsheets for dietetics calculations using bromatology tables partly provided, partly entered by the students as part of group work (Prof. ML Petroni).

The course is involved in the University didactic trial and the 30% of the lessons will be carried out exlcusively online. 

Assessment methods

Discussion of a research protocol and related ethical documents

Office hours

See the website of Arrigo Francesco Giuseppe Cicero

See the website of Maria Letizia Petroni