Programme

The Human Nutrition Science course aims to introduce the foundational principles of the discipline, with a particular focus on the role of food and nutrition in human health. A key objective is to understand how nutrients interact with the human body and how to develop foods with beneficial health effects (so-called functional foods). The course will cover the determination of energy and nutrient requirements, examining the physiological functions of macro- and micronutrients, along with introductory elements of nutritional epidemiology. Topics related to the assessment of individual nutritional status will also be addressed. Moreover, students will explore methods for analyzing dietary habits and evaluating the adequacy of nutrient intake in relation to individual needs. Special attention will be given to the role of nutrition in the prevention of non-communicable chronic diseases.
In line with current global challenges, the course will also address the relationship between nutrition and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of informed dietary choices that consider environmental and social impact as well as individual health.

Core Documentation

- Mariani-Costantini Cannella Tomassi - Alimentazione e Nutrizione Umana. Terza edizione riveduta e aggiornata di Fondamenti di Nutrizione Umana, a cura di Donini LM, Giusti AM, Pinto A, del Balzo V.,Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore, Roma ISBN 978-88-490-0547-9.
- Società Italiana di Nutrizione Umana (SINU). (2014). LARN – Livelli di Assunzione di Riferimento di Nutrienti ed Energia per la popolazione italiana. V Revisione. SICS Editore.
- Brighenti F, Cairella G, D’Amicis A, Ghiselli A, Leclercq C, Porrini M, Rossi L, Scalfi L. Milano: SICS, 2014. ISBN 978 88 90685 22 4.
- Zocchi G., Pecoraro P., Campanile M., Carlucci F., Ciampaglia R., Giordano M., Moretti S., Paoli P., Rossi L., Sieri S., Tommasi F., Trio R., Zuliani P. Fondamenti della Scienza della Alimentazione. Ordine Nazionale dei Biologi, 2015, Roma