Nutrition and Health: Macronutrients and Overnutrition from edX

Food plays a central role in our society but few people actually understand what it does to our bodies. Learn more about nutrition and how our diet profoundly impacts our current and future health. This introductory nutrition course addresses the relationship between nutrition and human health with a focus on health problems related to overnutrition.

In this course, Professor Sander Kersten from Wageningen University will introduce you to the chemistry of the three macronutrients fat, carbohydrate and protein. You will learn how macronutrients are absorbed, stored, and metabolized for energy, and you will gain a contemporary view of how different types of fats, carbohydrates and proteins affect human health. Moreover, the course will cover energy homeostasis and the regulation of bodyweight, and provides ample coverage of the topic of obesity. Finally, it will make you familiar with nutritional research and research methodologies.

For whom?

The MOOC Nutrition and Health: Macronutrients and Overnutrition is especially useful for health care professionals and people working in the food industry with a non-nutrition background. You will develop a critical mindset by learning to better weigh and interpret information about food, nutrition and health.

This course, is part of the Food, Nutrition and Health Professional Certificate Program of Wageningen University & Research. Did you already complete Nutrition and Health: Micronutrients and Malnutrition? That is the other course in the Food, Nutrition and Health Professional Certificate Program. To explore other learning opportunities about nutrition, have a look at the courses:

What's inside

Learning objectives

Introduction to the field of food and nutritioncomposition of foods
Basic chemistry of carbohydrates, fat and protein
How macronutrients are absorbed, stored and metabolized

How macronutrients may impact health
How to better weigh and interpret the information overload about nutrition and health

Introduction to the field of food and nutritioncomposition of foods
Basic chemistry of carbohydrates, fat and protein
How macronutrients are absorbed, stored and metabolized
How macronutrients may impact health
How to better weigh and interpret the information overload about nutrition and health

Syllabus

Module 1: Basic PrinciplesIn the first module you will be introduced into the basics of nutritional scienceand you will learn about the different study designs that are used in nutritionresearch.

Module 2: CarbohydratesIn this module you will be introduced to the basics of carbohydrates.

Module 3: Carbohydrates and Health (verified learner only)In this module we will focus on the health effects of one specific group ofcarbohydrates: sugar.

Module 4: LipidsThis module will teach you the basics of fats or lipids.

Module 5: Lipids and Health (verified learner only)This module will start out by discussing cardiovascular (heart) disease and riskfactors for cardiovascular disease, and will go on to explore the effects of fatty acidson cholesterol.

Module 6: Proteins and HealthThe module starts with the basics of dietary protein, and will go on to address thequestion of what specific health effects can be attributed to dietary protein.

Module 7: Energy homeostasis sand energy balanceIn this module we will look at the balance between food (energy) intake and exergyexpenditure.

Module 8: Weight managementThis module concentrates on weight management and the topic of obesity.

Module 9: Nutrition and Sports (verified learner only)In this extra module we look at the impact of nutrition on exercise

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a solid overview of basic nutrition principles, macronutrients, and energy homeostasis

Strong focus on overnutrition and obesity, providing insights into contemporary health concerns

Taught by a reputable professor from Wageningen University, known for its expertise in nutrition

Suitable for healthcare professionals and non-nutrition experts working in the food industry

May require prior knowledge in biology and chemistry for a comprehensive understanding

Reviews summary

Informative nutrition course

This course offers learners an excellent foundation in nutrition science, particularly for those without a background in chemistry or biology. Professor Kersten teaches the basics of nutrition and food chemistry with clarity and humor. Although there is a significant amount of information to digest, the modular format of the course makes it manageable and rewarding. You can expect regular participation from instructors in discussion forums and ample opportunities to apply your knowledge through quizzes and assessments.

Provides flexibility with self-paced learning and open module access.

"I like, too, that several weeks are opened at once, and it's possible to work ahead."

Presents a balanced and nuanced view of nutrition science.

"I particularly like that he presents a very balanced view of controversial subjects."

Professor Kersten teaches complex scientific concepts with clarity.

"Sander Kersten really knows his stuff ... he is clear."

Covers a wide range of nutrition topics, from basic principles to advanced concepts.

"The course content is elaborate and well-organized, combined with moderate reading materials and well-knit lectures."

"I found this course extremely useful when you are trying to understand the basic concepts of nutrition and how your diet affects your health and general well-being."

Some learners may find the quizzes challenging.

"The quizzes are a bit of tricky with only one time trial allowed."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Nutrition and Health: Macronutrients and Overnutrition with these activities:

Review Basic Chemistry

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Reinforce foundational chemistry skills to prepare for the course materials

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Review chemical bonding and chemical reactions
Practice solving stoichiometry problems

Review Analytical Chemistry

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Review basic analytical chemistry skills to ensure a strong foundation for the course.

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Review titrations and their applications
Practice using chromatography techniques
Recall basic spectroscopy methods

Seek Guidance from Nutrition Experts

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Gain additional insights and support from professionals in the field of nutrition

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Identify and contact nutritionists, dietitians, or researchers

Three other activities

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Show all six activities

Macronutrient Composition Analysis

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Identify and analyze macronutrient content in foods to reinforce course concepts

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Use food composition databases to find macronutrient content
Calculate the percentage of macronutrients in different foods
Compare the macronutrient composition of different foods

Support Students in Understanding Macronutrients

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Strengthen understanding by explaining concepts and providing guidance to fellow students

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Participate in online discussion forums or study groups
Offer assistance with problem-solving and concept clarification

Personalized Nutrition Plan

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Apply course concepts to create a tailored nutrition plan that meets individual needs

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Analyze personal dietary habits and health goals
Research and select appropriate macronutrient ratios
Develop a meal plan and monitor progress

Career center

Learners who complete Nutrition and Health: Macronutrients and Overnutrition will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Nutrition Researcher

A Nutrition Researcher conducts scientific studies to investigate the relationship between nutrition and health, often focusing on macronutrients. This course provides a comprehensive overview of nutritional science and research methods, as well as in-depth knowledge of macronutrient metabolism and health effects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nutrition Researcher

Biostatistician

A Biostatistician applies mathematical and statistical principles to the design, analysis, and interpretation of health-related studies, including nutrition research. This course provides a strong foundation in the basics of nutritional science and research methods, which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Dietitian

A Dietitian plans and provides individualized nutrition therapy to individuals and groups, addressing various health conditions and dietary needs. This course offers a solid foundation in macronutrient metabolism and the impact of nutrition on health, which are essential for developing effective dietary interventions.

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Clinical Nutritionist

A Clinical Nutritionist assesses and advises patients on nutrition and dietary needs, particularly in the context of disease management. This course covers the chemistry and metabolism of macronutrients, as well as their impact on health, which are crucial for providing evidence-based nutritional recommendations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Nutritionist

Public Health Nutritionist

A Public Health Nutritionist develops and implements nutrition programs and policies to improve the health of populations. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between nutrition and health, as well as skills in developing and evaluating nutrition interventions at the population level.

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Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

An RDN provides evidence-based nutrition therapy to individuals and groups, addressing various health conditions and dietary needs. This course offers a solid foundation in macronutrient metabolism and the impact of nutrition on health, which are essential for developing effective dietary interventions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Wellness Coach

A Wellness Coach guides individuals in making healthy lifestyle changes, including improving their nutrition. This course provides a solid understanding of the principles of nutrition and the impact of nutrition on health, which are essential for providing evidence-based guidance to clients.

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Community Health Educator

A Community Health Educator promotes health and wellness in communities, often focusing on nutrition and healthy eating. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between nutrition and health, as well as strategies for effective nutrition education.

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Teacher

A Teacher educates students at various levels, including teaching nutrition and health concepts. This course provides a comprehensive overview of nutritional science and the latest research findings, which are essential for providing accurate and engaging instruction to students.

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Health Educator

A Health Educator promotes health and wellness through education and counseling, often focusing on nutrition and healthy eating. This course provides a broad understanding of the relationship between nutrition and health, as well as skills in developing and delivering effective health education programs.

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Epidemiologist

An Epidemiologist investigates the distribution and determinants of health-related states and events in populations, including the role of nutrition. This course provides an understanding of the principles of nutritional epidemiology and the methods used to study the relationship between nutrition and health outcomes.

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Medical Writer

A Medical Writer creates and edits medical and scientific content, including materials related to nutrition and health. This course provides a solid understanding of the principles of nutrition and the latest research findings, which are essential for producing accurate and informative medical content.

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Science Writer

A Science Writer communicates complex scientific information to a non-specialist audience, including topics related to nutrition and health. This course provides a solid understanding of the principles of nutrition and the latest research findings, which are essential for producing engaging and informative science content.

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Food Scientist

A Food Scientist applies scientific principles to the study of food, including its composition, processing, and safety. This course covers the chemistry and metabolism of macronutrients, which are essential for understanding the nutritional value and functionality of food products.

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Physician

A Physician diagnoses and treats medical conditions, including those related to nutrition and metabolism. This course provides a foundation in the basics of nutritional science and the impact of nutrition on health, which is essential for providing comprehensive patient care.

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