Functional foods and nutraceuticals

The course aims to bring the students to evaluate the contribution and the perspectives of biotechnology in the formulation of ingredients/foods with potential functional effects. Specifically, the course is aimed to: i) provide basic knowledge on the digestion, absorption, metabolism and biological/functional activity of the different macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins) micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and nutraceuticals/bioactive compounds (e.g. carotenoids, glucosinolates, and polyphenols); ii) familiarize students with the scientific evidence about the role of diet and dietary components in the modulation of risk factors associated with chronic diseases (e.g cardiovascular diseases) and human health; iii) enable students to understand the concept of functional foods and their role in the human health and well-being.

Students will acquire basic knowledge on the physiology of human nutrition and the importance of macronutrients, micronutrients and nutraceuticals in the context of the human well-being. Students will be then equipped with knowledge necessary to understand the diet-health relationships and the importance of human evidence-based nutrition. Students will learn the regulatory aspects of functional foods and the requirements for safety and efficacy assessment of nutraceutical and functional food. Perspectives about the application of biotechnology for improving the formulation of potential functional ingredients/foods will be mastered.