Unit 1517: Comprehensive Nutrition and Metabolism

1. Introduction to Nutrition

• Definition and scope of nutrition
• Macronutrients
  • Carbohydrates: types, functions, sources
  • Proteins: amino acids, functions, sources
  • Fats: types (saturated, unsaturated, trans), functions, sources
• Micronutrients
  • Vitamins: fat-soluble and water-soluble, functions
  • Minerals: major minerals and trace elements, functions
• Importance of a balanced diet
• Nutrient density and dietary variety

2. Energy Metabolism

• Overview of energy metabolism
• ATP: structure, role, and energy currency of the cell
• Glycolysis
  • Process steps and net ATP yield
• Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle)
  • Key steps and energy production
• Oxidative Phosphorylation
  • Electron transport chain and ATP synthesis
• Energy storage forms: glycogen, triglycerides
• Energy utilization during rest and activity

3. Digestion and Absorption

• Overview of the digestive system organs and their functions
• Mechanical and chemical digestion
• Role of enzymes
  • Amylases, proteases, lipases
• Hormonal regulation of digestion
  • Gastrin, secretin, cholecystokinin
• Absorption mechanisms
  • Small intestine structure and nutrient absorption
  • Transport processes (active, passive)
• Role of gut microbiota in digestion

4. Metabolic Pathways

• Gluconeogenesis: purpose and key steps
• Glycogenolysis: glycogen breakdown and regulation
• Lipolysis: fat breakdown and utilization
• Protein metabolism
  • Deamination and amino acid catabolism
• Regulation of blood glucose levels
  • Role of insulin and glucagon
• Integration of metabolic pathways for energy homeostasis

5. Nutritional Requirements

• Recommended daily intakes (RDIs) for macro- and micronutrients
• Factors influencing nutritional needs
  • Age, gender, physiological status (pregnancy, lactation)
  • Activity level and lifestyle
  • Health status
• Nutrient reference values and dietary planning

6. Nutritional Deficiencies and Disorders

• Common nutritional deficiencies
  • Iron deficiency anemia: causes, symptoms, treatment
  • Vitamin deficiencies: Vitamin D, B12, A
• Eating disorders
  • Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating
• Symptoms and clinical manifestations
• Prevention and treatment strategies

7. Nutrition and Disease

• Impact of nutrition on chronic diseases
  • Obesity: causes, prevention, dietary management
  • Diabetes mellitus: types, dietary control
  • Cardiovascular diseases: risk factors, dietary interventions
  • Cancer: nutrition’s role in risk and management
• Role of diet in disease prevention and management

8. Sports Nutrition

• Nutritional needs of athletes
• Pre-workout nutrition
  • Macronutrient timing and composition
• Post-workout nutrition
  • Recovery and muscle repair
• Hydration strategies
• Supplements in sports
  • Common supplements: protein powders, electrolytes, creatine
  • Efficacy and safety considerations

9. Nutritional Guidelines and Recommendations

• Overview of national dietary guidelines
  • MyPlate (USA), Dietary Guidelines for Americans
  • Other international guidelines
• Evidence-based nutrition recommendations
• Using guidelines to make healthy food choices
• Cultural and individual adaptations of guidelines

10. Nutrition and Metabolism Research

• Personalized nutrition
  • Genetic influences on nutrient metabolism
• Gut microbiota and health
• Nutrigenomics and epigenetics
• Impact of diet on metabolic health and chronic disease risk
• Current trends and future directions in nutrition research