Program Overview

Introduction to Biochimica della Nutrizione

The Biochimica della Nutrizione course studies the aspects related to the composition of foods, their nutritional validity, and their contribution as structural and functional components in maintaining physiological homeostasis of the organism.

Objectives and Contents

Formative Objectives

The Biochimica della Nutrizione course aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge of the biochemical and nutritional characteristics of micro and macronutrients in relation to:

1. Their functional and modulatory value of metabolism
2. Their specific role in the biochemical mechanisms underlying the main metabolic pathways
3. Their function in regulating and integrating various catabolic and anabolic systems Students will also acquire tools to analyze the metabolic fate of the main nutrients in order to identify both the systems that regulate their bioavailability and absorption and possible metabolic interactions.

Detailed Formative Objectives and Learning Outcomes

The objective of this course is to provide students with useful information to understand the function of micro and macronutrients in physiological conditions. In particular, the role of these molecules (vitamins, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins) will be specifically explored in relation to altered bioavailability due to nutritional deficiencies or absorption issues. In this context, students must acquire the ability to analyze the metabolic fate of the main nutrients and identify the necessary strategies to increase their bioavailability and absorption. Students must also be able to recognize possible metabolic interactions between nutrients, identifying nutritional deficiencies derived from inadequate and unbalanced diets.

Prerequisites

Knowledge of general biochemistry and energy metabolism

Teaching Methods

Frontal lessons are held considering the practical application of the notions learned. Lessons are conducted with the aim of adequately preparing the student also for the purpose of passing the exam.

Program/Content

• Nutritional needs and nutritional principles
• Sources and bioavailability of nutrients
• Energy and plastic nutrients
• Macronutrients and micronutrients
• Vitamins
• Inorganic nutrients
• Molecular mechanism of activation and hydrolytic action of digestive enzymes for nutrient use
• Carbohydrates: digestion and absorption, glycemic index of foods, chemical nature and properties of simple and polysaccharide sugars
• Lipids: digestion and absorption, chemical nature and properties of fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol, and derivatives
• Proteins: digestion and absorption, chemical nature and properties of amino acids, polypeptides, and proteins
• Non-protein nitrogenous compounds: glutathione, carnitine, etc.
• Metabolism and bioenergetics: aspects of energy metabolism and its regulation, hormonal integration of metabolism, metabolic specialization of organs and tissues

Texts/Bibliography

• Biochimica della nutrizione Ugo Leuzzi, Ersilia Bellocco, Davide Barreca - Zanichelli
• Le basi molecolari della nutrizione Giuseppe Arienti - Piccin fourth edition

Teachers and Commissions

• Monica Averna
• Roberta De Tullio

Examination Commission

• Monica Averna (President)
• Roberta De Tullio (Supplementary President)

Lessons

Start of Lessons

Consult the detailed schedule at the following link:

Exams

Examination Methods

Oral exam

Assessment Methods

Oral test with evaluation of knowledge and ability to connect between the various topics in the program. To establish the degree of competence acquired by students with respect to the program of this teaching, the commission will positively evaluate the ability to analyze and integrate different aspects of the proposed question and the use of a lexicon appropriate to the subject matter.

Exam Calendar

• 14/01/2025, 09:30, Genova, Oral
• 03/02/2025, 09:30, Genova, Oral
• 21/02/2025, 09:30, Genova, Oral
• 13/06/2025, 09:30, Genova, Oral
• 08/07/2025, 09:30, Genova, Oral
• 24/07/2025, 09:30, Genova, Oral
• 10/09/2025, 09:30, Genova, Oral

Agenda 2030

Defeating Hunger

Health and Well-being