00887 - Food Science

Learning outcomes

Function and role of macro- and micro-nutrients in the human body

Characteristics of the healthy diet

Role of the diet in disease prevention

Course contents

Modulo 1:

1. The healthy diet

• Definition of food science
• Definition of foods and nutrients
• Classification of nutrients
• Essential nutrients
• Nutritional classification of foods
• Definition of diet
• Principles of a healthy diet
• Mediterranean diet
• Relationship between nutrition and well-being

2. Digestion and Nutrient Absorption

• Overview of gastrointestinal anatomy, motility, secretions and neuro-hormonal control
• Bioaccessibility and bioavailability
• Matrix effect

3. Macronutrients

• Carbohydrates: classification and functions
• Glycemic index and glycemic load
• Blood glucose regulation
• Proteins: definition and functions
• Protein turnover
• Protein quality: definition and evaluation methods
• Lipids: classification and functions
• PUFA ω-3 and ω-6
• Cholesterol
• Plasma lipoproteins

4. Reference Levels of Nutrient and Energy Intake (LARN) for the Italian population

 

Module 2:

1. The energy balance

2. Water

3. Micronutrients

Vitamins

• Liposoluble vitamins
• Hydrosoluble vitamins
• Pro- and anti-vitamins

Minerals

• Sodium and potassium
• Calcium
• Iron
• Zinc
• Iodine
• Selenium

4. Ethanol and alcoholic beverages

Readings/Bibliography

Required readings:

• Giudetti, Cagnazzo, Cagnazzo "Scienza dell'Alimentazione" Edi.Ermes
• Società Italiana di Nutrizione Umana "LARN. Livelli di Assunzione di Riferimento di Nutrienti ed energia per la popolazione italiana" 5th edition. Biomedia Editore

Recommended and further reading:

• Debellis e Poli "Alimentazione, Nutrizione e Salute" EdiSES
• Leuzzi, Bellocco, Barreca "Biochimica della Nutrizione" Zanichelli
• Andreoli "Fisiologia e Nutrizione Umana" Esculapio
• Liguri e Stefani "Nutrizione e Dietologia" Zanichelli
• Mariani Costantini, Cannella, Tomassi "Alimentazione e Nutrizione Umana" Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore

Teaching methods

Ex-catedra lessons

Seminars

Practice exercise to calculate energy needs (module 2)

Assessment methods

Success of learning outcomes will be assessed during the exam session by an oral examination. The exam (upon registration on AlmaEsami website) consists of an oral examination (at least three questions) and will be in common for module 1 and 2. The final definition of the student preparation and capabilities is given in a score as a fraction of thirty (from 18 to 30 cum laude). It is necessary to achieve a pass mark in both modules.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint slides. Audio-visual aids. e-learning platforms.

Materials are available to students in the e-learning platform.

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Danesi

See the website of Alessandra Bordoni