Nutrition 390A - Applied Micronutrients

This course is designed to advance students' understanding of micronutrients, with a primary focus on vitamins, minerals, and dietary polyphenols. The curriculum will address the biochemical properties, physiological functions, and molecular mechanisms through which these micronutrients contribute to human health. Special attention will be given to the consequences of micronutrient deficiencies, excesses, and imbalances, and their roles in the development of disease pathologies. In addition to building a strong biochemical foundation, the course will highlight recent advances in micronutrient research. Students will critically evaluate contemporary findings through in-depth discussions of current primary research articles and seminal review papers. By integrating fundamental biochemical principles with cutting-edge discoveries, this course aims to cultivate both a mechanistic understanding and an appreciation of the translational significance of micronutrients in nutrition science and public health.