Functional Food and Nutraceuticals

Not applicable

The Curricular Unit will be developed according to a theoretical and practical model. During classes, the content will be presented in a structured way, using expository and interrogative methodologies, in order to foster, whenever possible, interaction, debate and students’ interest in the topics covered. The available audiovisual media will be used.
Continuous evaluation:
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This course aims to awaken students’ interest in Functional Food and Nutraceuticals, providing them with knowledge and skills that will allow them to act in an informed, conscious and considered manner when providing advice on functional foods, dietary supplements and nutraceuticals.

Thus, at the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:

1. Distinguish between functional foods, dietary supplements and nutraceuticals.

2. Recognize/identify the main classes/bioactive compounds, their biological activity and potential health benefits, supported by scientific evidence.

3. Identify the Good Manufacturing, Quality and Safety Practices applicable to this Industry.

4. Know the characteristics and dynamics of this Industry, the market and applicable regulations, as well as the official entities responsible for the inspection and control of these products.

1. Functional foods and health benefits

2. Nutraceuticals: history and classification

3. Food supplements: types, health benefits and applications

4. Prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics

5. Their importance in health

6. Prebiotics and probiotics in critically ill patients

7. Bioactive compounds, biological activity, sources and scientific evidence

8. Carbohydrates; proteins, peptides, amino acids; oils and fats; polyphenols; carotenoids; other specific compounds/products

9. Regulatory aspects and official entities responsible for the supervision and control of these products

10. Characteristics and dynamics of the Industry and the market

11. Microbiome variation

12. Diet and microbiome composition

13. Microbiota and the effect of medication

Practical/laboratory Matrix (15h)
Group and / or laboratory work on selected products

Assessment for this course is continuous and comprises components A+B+C.

Component A - Corresponds to a written assessment on the material taught in the T classes and is weighted 45%;

Component B - Corresponds to the resolution, discussion, and presentation of clinical cases in the PL classes and is weighted 45%;

Component C - Student participation in at least 75% of the classes in both the theoretical and PL components will be weighted 10%.

To complete this course, the arithmetic average of the two assessments must be equal to or greater than 9.5 points. Continuous assessment requires a minimum grade of 9.5 points in each of the T and PL components.

The exam assessment comprises the theoretical and practical laboratory components, each weighted 50%. In the exam, a minimum grade of 9.5 is required in each of the T and PL components, in accordance with current academic regulations.

NAO