The subject gives a thorough introduction to the digestion, absorption, transport, storage and excretion of the different micro nutrients, with emphasis on the function and biochemistry. In addition, the subject will give a detailed understanding of how the different micro nutrients, and also in interaction with macro nutrients, affect development, growth and health in humans.

The subject gives an introduction to the theoretical and practical basis for nutrition related analysis methods. The students will learn about the principles of the methods used in nutrition, and they will get a short introduction to principles of sample treatment and quality assurance. In addition, the students will learn about common methods used in biochemical laboratories.

Moreover, the diet's influence on normal development and health is emphasized; some of the most relevant diet related health problems and how they are related to living conditions and lifestyle. The focus will be on the sources of and need for the different nutrients, nutrition recommendations and how recommendations should be interpreted.

After finishing the course, the students will have the following learning outcomes, defined as knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

The candidate:

• Has thorough knowledge about the structure, digestion, absorption, metabolism, storage, excretion and biochemical function of the micro nutrients
• Has advanced knowledge about the mode of action of micro nutrients in the body, and how deficiencies can lead to disease
• Has broad knowledge on safe intake and toxicity of micro nutrients
• Has broad knowledge on methods that are used for micro nutrient status measurements

Skills:

The candidate:

• Can use the terminology of the biochemistry of nutrients
• Can analyze and give a critical evaluation of micro nutrient status measurements

General competence:

The candidate:

• Can apply the knowledge about the basic biochemistry of nutrients in other areas of nutrition

Term paper with oral presentation.

Participation in the laboratory course is mandatory, aprox. 10 hours in total. Submission of a journal after each laboratory course. The journals must be approved prior to the exam.