Advanced Nutrient Metabolism

Catalog description

This course provides the student with both a review of the fundamentals of nutrient metabolism but also more advanced topics in the biochemistry, physiology, metabolism, and regulation of nutrients important in health and disease. At this advanced level, students develop an understanding of the integration and interdependency of many of these metabolic processes. There will be an initial review of cellular structure and function and the basics of organ systems, followed by the physiology and microbiology of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract related to nutrient processing, including the impact of dietary fibers on GI function. For each nutrient, the following topics will be covered: food sources and/or dietary considerations; chemical structure and characteristics; and regulation of digestion, absorption, and excretion. Water, macronutrient (carbohydrate, protein, and lipids), and micronutrient (vitamins and minerals) metabolism, function, and regulation will be presented. For some select nutrients of public health concern, the metabolic mechanisms of deficiency and/or toxicity will be discussed. Metabolic integration relevant to nutritional needs and biomedical applications will be highlighted in this course. Students will apply their knowledge to current biomedical situations relevant to nutrition and health professionals. This course prepares students for the advanced courses in assessment and clinical nutrition.