24219 - Applied Nutrition

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the Students:

- are able to calculate nutritional requirements and apply qualitative and quantitative food analysis techniques;

- understand the interaction between diet and physical activity;

- understand the metabolic effects of physical activity and can provide evidence-based and ethical-based suggestions on modulation of diet during training and competition;

- understand the principles of definition, pathophysiology an treatment of eating disorders (EDs) and know how to identify at an early stage athletes at risk for developing EDs;

- can apply motivational aspects of behaviour change for nutrition and physical activity;

- are able to collaborate with other figures in the integrated treatment of obesity

Course contents

1. Nutrition evaluation (general population, sportsmen, overweight / obesity).

- Body composition: anthropoplicometry, bioimpedance analysis and their applications

- Energy expenditure: predictive equations, indirect calorimetry, substrate oxidation and their applications

- Assessment of food intake: applications and limits

 

2. Nutrients and nutritional needs

- Physiological role of nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, alcohol, water, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, phytonutrients)

- Notes on absorption, digestion, gut microbiota

- Reference Nutrient Intake and Energy levels for the Italian Population (LARN)

- Energy metabolism

- Metabolic effects of physical activity

- Nutrient requirements in the main sports disciplines

 

3. Foods

- Nutrient composition of the main food groups

- Foods with nutraceutical properties in athletes

- Nutritional labels

- Food and environmental sustainability

 

4. Diet, health and sporting activity

- Nutrition and health

- The Mediterranean Diet

- Other dietary models: scientific evidence

- Hydration and fluid balance in sports activities

- Athletes' diet optimisation strategies

- Nutritional supplements: risks and benefits

- Personalised nutrition

 

5. Eating disorders

- The main eating disorders

- How to recognise athletes at risk

- Prevention and intervention strategies: the role of the graduate in Sports Science

- Deontological and ethical aspects

 

6. Nutrition and physical activity in the prevention and treatment of overweight, obesity and metabolic syndrome

- Definition, epidemiology, physiopathology (outline), therapeutic goals

- Primary and secondary prevention in childhood and youth

- Primary and secondary prevention in adult and geriatric age

- Barriers to lifestyle changes and motivational interviewing techniques

- The risk of relapse: how to increase long-term compliance

- Interaction with other professional figures in the integrated treatment of obesity

- Precautions to be taken in people suffering from metabolic syndrome during exercise

Readings/Bibliography

Asker Jeukendrup, Michael Gleeson
Sport Nutrition (3rd Edition 2019)
Human Kinetics
ISBN 9781492529033

Francesco Cagnazzo, Raffaele Cagnazzo
Valutazione antropometrica in clinica, riabilitazione e sport (2009)
Edi. Ermes
ISBN 9788870513295

 

Marie Spano, Laura Kruskall, D. Travis Thomas

Nutrition for Sport, Exercise, and Health (2018) - part IV only

Human Kinetics

ISBN 9781450414876

Società Italiana di Nutrizione Umana (SINU).
Livelli di Assunzione di Riferimento di Nutrienti ed energia
per la popolazione italiana. IV Revisione
ISBN 8886457251

Teaching methods

Front lectures, practical labs (individual and group).

Assessment methods

Multiple choice quizzes and peer-evaluation (anonymous) will be proposed during the Course. 

The final exam will include a written part and an oral part. In order to be admitted to this latter, an above threshold pass rate will be necessary.

Teaching tools

The e-learning platform of the Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna will host main teaching aids, tools and slides.

Some of the contents - except slides and final self-evaluation tool who are granted to all registered students - may be reserved to students attending the course by person.

Students with learning disabilities (prior registration at the dedicated service at Unibo required) please inform the Lecturer before the start of the Course. 

Office hours

See the website of Maria Letizia Petroni