Principles of Nutrition with Applications to Physical Activity

Correct nutritional status is important to keep the body healthy and to address the energy expenditure related to physical activity. Therefore, this teaching module aims to illustrate the principles of a correct and wholesome diet according to national (LARN, Guidelines for a Healthy and Proper Diet) and international (EFSA, WHO) scientific documents and address physical activity and sport. The characteristics of the different nutrients and their needs, correct hydration, and the problems associated with the consumption of alcoholic and nervous drinks constitute the basis for formulating balanced diets for the general population and the individual, as well as for athletes. Integration into the physiological diet must be considered necessary when the lack of one or more nutrients can determine a state of undernutrition related to the onset of pathologies. These topics, therefore, represent requisite knowledge for the nutritional biologist.

At the end of the course, the student must be able to know and select the properties, energy intake, and needs of different nutrients. The exercises will allow the student to learn the use of food databases and the principles for setting up daily and weekly physiological diets. The application to physical activity will permit the student to acquire the basis for the most appropriate energy choices and the correct subdivision of nutrients based on the type of physical exercise, duration, and intensity in association with the "timing" of the performance. The student must also know the meaning of supplementation, its benefits, and its damage.