Nutritional Biochemistry

Objectives

To acquire knowledge on the composition, ingestion, digestion and metabolism of food materials and on food-related diseases. To know topics on food-linked sensorial experiences. To know the main standards, regulations and legislation concerning food quality. To be qualified to present, analyze and discuss topics on human and animal nutrition and on food science and technology.

General characterization

Code

10720

Credits

3.0

Responsible teacher

Isabel Borges Coutinho Medeiros Dias

Hours

Weekly - 3

Total - 28

Teaching language

Português

Prerequisites

Available soon

Bibliography

H. K. Biesalski, P. Grimm “Pocket Atlas of Nutrition”, Georg Thieme Verlag (2005)

Tom Brody, “Nutritional Biochemistry”, Academic Press, 1ª Ed., (1999)

 Paul  Insel, RElaine Turner, Don Ross “Nutrition”, Jones and Bartlett Publishers (2002)

Teaching method

Lectures  delivered using Datashow  with  contents  available in the syllabus internet page and  pratical study sessions  which  include  problem-solving   as well as   research and  discussion  on relevant topics. The assessment includes  two individual written  tests and the presentation and discussion of   a seminar.

Evaluation method

Available soon

Subject matter

 Macro- and micronutrients in food and foodstuffs. Energy consumption and energy reserves in the human body. Basal and total metabolic rates and food thermal effect. Energy shortage / deprivation. Hunger.  Hormonal  controle of appetite. Mechanical, chemical and enzymatic processes involved in digestion, absorption and excretion.  Current name, structure, major food sources, intake levels and short description of the action of vitamins. Vitamin deficiency.  Identification, intake levels, functions, excess and failure situations and homeostasis of minerals. Food-linked pathologies. Sensory experience  associated to food intake. The fundamental tastes. Olfaction. Trigeminal sensations. Other senses associated with flavor.  Aditional topics on popular diets, food fashions, alcohol consumption. 

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: