ERN2300 ¨C Micronutrients and foreign substances - from mechanisms to clinical practice

Course content

The course "Micronutrients - from molecular mechanisms to clinical practice" provides a thorough introduction to the scientific basis for the Nordic nutritional recommendations regarding vitamins and minerals. You will learn about the functions of these nutrients through studies of molecular mechanisms involving vitamins and minerals. You will gain knowledge about how vitamins and minerals act as enzyme cofactors, how they affect gene expression, and how they stimulate epigenetic processes. During this course you will learn to assess the intake of micronutrients in relation to recommendations for healthy individuals and how to provide relevant advice on food choices and use of dietary supplements. You will also learn how to provide customised nutritional treatment to patients with vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

On completion of the course, you should be able to:

• explain the scientific basis for the Nordic nutritional recommendations (NNR) for vitamins and minerals
• explain how the use of NNR can be adapted to individuals and groups
• describe the significance and use of the terms "average requirement" (AR), "recommended intake" (RI), "lower intake level" (LI) and "upper intake level" (UL)
• provide detailed descriptions of the vitamins (A, B, C, D, E, K), the minerals (Ca, Fe, Zn, Mg, Se, I, Cu, Cr) and antioxidants, their natural sources and recommended daily intake
• recognise the chemical structure of vitamins and other bioactive micronutrients
• explain the role of vitamins and minerals in molecular mechanisms in cells
• explain the function of enzymes in metabolic pathways and the role of vitamins and minerals as cofactors
• describe relevant reactions in the cell where vitamins and minerals act as cofactors
• explain the principles of gene regulation, including epigenetics
• explain the nuclear receptor superfamily and how nutrients, including vitamins, can affect gene expression by acting as ligands for these ranscription factors
• explain how folic acid can affect DNA methylation and other epigenetic changes
• explain the significance of mutations and genetic variants in the genome and how they can affect the individual`s needs for minerals and vitamins
• explain possible advantages and disadvantages of micronutrient food fortification.

Skills

On completion of the course, you should be able to:

• assess the biochemical vitamin and mineral status of individuals and Groups¡¡
• assess the intake of vitamins and minerals in individuals and groups in light of the NNR recommendations
• communicate relevant advice on food choices and use of dietary supplements to individuals and Groups
• provide customised nutritional treatment to patients with vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• discuss advantages and disadvantages of using dietary supplements with individuals and Groups
• read and interpret scientific literature to resolve clinical issues related to micronutrients
• communicate knowledge about the mechanisms of action of vitamins and minerals

General competencies

On completion of the course, you should be able to:

• apply knowledge and skills about micronutrients in connection with treatment of patients, teaching and Research
• apply knowledge and skills about micronutrients in connection with preventive healthcare
• reflect on ethical issues related to food fortification and use of dietary supplements

Admission to the course

This course is reserved exclusively for students taking the five-year master`s degree in clinical nutrition.

Formal prerequisite knowledge

ERN1100 ¨C Ern?ringsstudiet, Modul 1

The Faculty may require a programme student who has been absent from the programme for more than two consecutive years to repeat previously approved mandatory teaching and/or previously passed examinations before being allowed to resume his/her studies.

Teaching

The teaching consists of lectures, e-Learning and article/case seminars.

Examination

Three-hour digital examination.

? Digital examinations at the Faculty of Medicine

Examination support material

No examination support material is allowed. A calculator will be provided by the Section for Student Affairs.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in Norwegian. You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish or Danish.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about?the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.