Principles of Human Nutrition aims to equip Learners with the ability to understand and apply the fundamental concepts of human nutrition. Learners can recognise the roles of macronutrients and micronutrients, their physiological functions, metabolism and food sources and relate these to health, wellbeing and disease prevention. Upon successful completion, Learners have an informed awareness of nutritional principles and their application to personal health choices and to careers within the health professions.
Macronutrients
- Dietary sources of carbohydrates, proteins and fats
- Recommended intake levels and energy contribution
- Physiological roles in metabolism, tissue synthesis and energy regulation
Micronutrients
- Dietary sources of vitamins and minerals
- Bioavailability and absorption factors
- Physiological roles in enzymatic processes, immunity and cellular function
Water and Electrolytes
- Water balance and hydration needs
- Sodium, potassium, chloride and their physiological roles
Determinants of Nutrient Requirements
- Age, sex, activity level, genetics
- Environmental and physiological stressors
- Adaptation, metabolism and homeostatic mechanisms
Biological Factors Influencing Requirements
- Growth, pregnancy, lactation
- Illness, metabolic disorders and stress states
- Hormonal influences and metabolic rate
Assessment of Nutrient Status (Individual and Population Level)
- Dietary assessment methods (24-hour recall, FFQs, food diaries)
- Biochemical assessments (blood, urine biomarkers)
- Anthropometry (BMI, growth measures, body composition)
- Clinical assessment (deficiency signs, functional tests)
- Population surveillance tools and indices
Prenatal and Infant Nutrition
- Maternal nutrient needs
- Foetal development and nutrient transport
- Infant feeding practices and nutritional vulnerability
Childhood and Adolescence
- Growth spurts and increased nutrient requirements
- Cognitive, skeletal and metabolic development
Adult and Older Adult Nutrition
- Maintenance needs and metabolic changes
- Nutrient needs for aging, chronic disease prevention
- Sarcopenia, bone health and immune function
Rationale for Dietary Guidelines
- Evidence-based nutrient requirements
- Prevention of deficiency and chronic disease
- Cultural, economic and environmental relevance
Development of National Dietary Guidelines
- Scientific review processes
- Roles of health agencies and policy bodies
- Implementation through public health programs
Global and Country-Specific Approaches
- Differences based on epidemiology, food availability and cultural habits
- Examples of nutrition policy frameworks
- Monitoring and evaluation of guideline effectiveness
Cardiovascular Diseases
- Dietary fats, fibre, sodium and lifestyle risk factors
- Mechanisms of atherosclerosis and dietary modulation
Cancer
- Nutrients and dietary components influencing carcinogenesis
- Antioxidants, fibre, red/processed meat, alcohol
Diabetes Mellitus
- Carbohydrate quality and glycaemic control
- Diet-induced insulin resistance and weight management
Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome
- Energy imbalance and macronutrient distribution
- Physiological and behavioural factors
Other Chronic Conditions
- Osteoporosis (calcium, vitamin D)
- Anaemia (iron, folate, B12)
- Neurodegenerative conditions and diet
Example Candidate Response Booklet
Example Candidate Response (ECR) Booklets are a source of crucial information for Centres and Candidates as they use real candidate responses. We ask Senior Examiners to comment on five or more responses in terms of why the mark was awarded with commentary about how to improve the answer (if necessary).
