This course covers the biochemistry of foods and nutrients with consideration of the physiological effects of specialized diets for specific biological needs. Topics include cultural, religious, and economic factors that influence a person's acceptance of food, as well as nutrient requirements of the various life stages.

1. Introduction

• Nutrients
• Nutrient assessment
• Diet and health

2. Planning a healthy diet

• Principles and guidelines
• Food labels

3. Digestion, absorption, and transport

• Digestive tract anatomy and physiology
• Health and regulation of the GI tract

4. Carbohydrates

• Types/structure of carbohydrates
• Digestion and absorption
• Glucose metabolism
• Carbohydrate intake

5. Lipids

• Types/structure of lipids
• Digestion and absorption
• Lipid metabolism
• Lipid intake

6. Proteins

• Types/structure of proteins
• Digestion and absorption
• Protein metabolism
• Protein intake

7. Energy balance

• Energy metabolism
• Bodyweight and body composition

8. Weight management

• Causes of obesity
• Health risks of obesity
• Treatments and weight-loss strategies

9. Vitamins

• Water-soluble vitamins
• Fat-soluble vitamins

10. Water and minerals

• Water intake and balance
• Major minerals
• Trace minerals.

What will you learn in this course?

• Identify and discuss nutrition problems facing today’s society.
• Identify, distinguish, and discuss the necessities of being an informed consumer of nutrition products and services.
• Identify, list, distinguish, and discuss the essential dietary nutrients and their role in good health.
• Utilize dietary standards and guidelines to determine the nutritional adequacy of an individual’s diet for weight management and health.
• Utilize dietary guidelines for disease prevention and management.
• Distinguish, identify, and implement/demonstrate optimal nutrition for fitness and athletic/sports performance.
• Distinguish, identify, implement/demonstrate safe food handling, preparation, cooking, and serving practices.

Who should take this course?

Upon completion, students should be able to identify the functions and sources of nutrients, the mechanisms of digestion, and the nutritional requirements of all age groups.