Diploma in Human Nutrition – Revised 2017

The Diploma in Human Nutrition is a comprehensive introduction to the important role nutrition and diet play in maintaining health. With the huge rise in diet related illnesses such as obesity, type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease we face important choices in terms of diet and nutrition on a daily basis. It is also important to understand the role nutrition plays in growth and development throughout our lives. This course provides an in-depth look into the three energy-yielding macronutrients - carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. Our bodies require us to consume these macronutrients on a daily basis to maintain numerous bodily functions such as growth and providing energy to carry out activities. Humans use plants and animals as food sources but, in order to obtain the energy we require from them, our food must be broken down into smaller molecules that the body can process. This course provides a clear introduction to the human digestive system. The course also provides a comprehensive look into the life sustaining chemical processes that occur in living cells from a macronutrient perspective. These life sustaining chemical processes that occur in our cells are essential for our bodies to grow, maintain their structures and respond to their environments. Micronutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium help prevent and delay various types of cell damage that may occur in the body so foods containing them are beneficial for our health. This course will provide an overview of micronutrients and antioxidants and an insight into their absorption, metabolism and excretion as well as the effects of their deficiency and toxicity on human health. This Diploma course will be of great interest to all learners and healthcare professionals who would like to learn more about human nutrition and the roles macronutrients and micronutrients play in maintaining health.