AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims to deepen students’ knowledge of foods, focusing on their chemical and bromatological composition, formulation, and the nutritional and regulatory aspects of food products intended for health purposes, such as foods with nutritional and/or health claims, dietary supplements, and nutraceuticals.

Particular attention is also given to the use of these products in relation to specific physiological needs (adolescents, the elderly, pregnancy, breastfeeding, athletes, etc.), as well as to their potential interactions with pharmacological therapies. These aspects will be further explored through the analysis of case studies and representative formulations.

The main learning objectives are to:

• provide a chemical basis for the different types of dietary supplements and functional foods;
• apply this knowledge to products available on the market;
• foster the development of critical thinking skills, enabling students to form an independent viewpoint in response to the numerous messages conveyed by the media regarding the relationship between food and health.

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

• summarize the main topics covered;
• distinguish between dietary supplements, medicinal products, and dietary/dietetic products;
• establish connections among the different topics addressed in the module.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures with active student participation on the topics covered, also based on students’ personal experiences and interests.

Students with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities, or other particular needs are invited to contact the lecturers and the Department’s SLD representative (Prof. Luca Raiteri, Luca.Raiteri@unige.it) before the start of the course, in order to agree on appropriate teaching methods and ensure the full achievement of the learning objectives.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Definition and classification of functional foods and dietary supplements within the broader category of health-promoting foods
• Differences between functional foods, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, and dietary/dietetic products
• Overview of national and European regulations (EFSA, nutrition and health claims)
• Composition and label presentation
• Quality and safety aspects
• Critical analysis of commercial products and discussion of case studies, with particular attention to information from scientific literature and media sources
• Examples of formulations, with particular reference to products intended for:
  • athletes (performance, recovery, protein and energy supplementation);
  • women’s health (pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause);
  • aging and the elderly population (cognitive, bone, and metabolic health)

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Evangelisti F., Restani P., Prodotti Dietetici – Chimica, tecnologia e impiego, PICCIN Editore.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

For the start of lessons and the timetable, please refer to the following link:
https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination consists of a written test made up of 10 multiple-choice questions, each carrying equal weight (3/30 each). No penalties are applied for incorrect answers.

The test covers the topics addressed during the lectures, has a duration of 30 minutes, and is taken in the presence of the lecturer.

At the lecturer’s discretion, students may also be required to prepare and deliver an oral presentation on a topic agreed upon, aimed at deepening specific course topics and assessing analytical and communication skills.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The assessment aims to verify the knowledge acquired by the student and their ability to critically connect the different topics covered within the field of functional foods and dietary supplements.

Details regarding exam preparation and the level of depth required for each topic will be provided during the lectures.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information regarding the programme and activities of the module not included in this course description, please contact the lecturer via email (Federica.Turrini@unige.it).

Students with certification of Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities, or other particular educational needs are encouraged to contact the lecturer at the beginning of the module in order to agree on appropriate teaching and assessment arrangements which, in compliance with the course learning objectives, provide suitable compensatory measures.