This thematic area emphasizes the critical relationship between dietary habits and overall health, particularly in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. Students explore both the scientific foundations of human nutrition and the public health implications of dietary patterns.
Topics include:
Macronutrient and micronutrient metabolism: Understanding how nutrients affect physiological functions and health outcomes.
Nutrition-related diseases: Focus on obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, with particular attention to cardiovascular and respiratory complications.
Diets and Cardiopulmonary Health: In-depth analysis of how specific dietary patterns—such as the Mediterranean diet, DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), and plant-based diets—impact heart and lung function. Students examine clinical evidence linking diet to the prevention and progression of atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Nutritional assessment and interventions: Learning how to evaluate dietary intake and create personalized nutrition plans, especially for at-risk populations.
Public health nutrition and food policy: Addressing food security, sustainable nutrition, and population-based strategies to promote healthy eating behaviors.
By integrating dietary science with practical interventions, students gain the ability to influence individual health outcomes and contribute to public health strategies that target diet-related cardiopulmonary conditions.