Human Nutrition

Human nutrition majors learn how food affects human growth and health. Topics of study include nutritional needs throughout the life span and the links between nutrition and disease.
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Humans require food substances to supply the components necessary to build tissues, to repair tissues as they wear out and die, to keep the body in good working condition, and to supply fuel for energy. For good nutrition a person should eat a well-balanced diet, that is, one that provides an adequate amount of each of the classes of nutrients each day, furnishing at the same time an adequate but not excessive number of calories for the body's energy needs. Children require relatively larger amounts of nutrients and calories because of their rapid growth. The foods required for proper nutrition fall roughly into three major groups: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats; vitamins, minerals, and water are also important.
Nutrition affects people at all ages and stages of life. The health of an individual, group or population is related to eating behaviors and food intake. Nutrition professionals must understand the science of nutrition, from the biochemistry of cellular nutrition to the application of that science to individuals, groups, and populations. The nutritional needs of growth and development, pregnancy, a specific disease state, or advancing age challenge professionals to use their knowledge to assess individuals or communities and provide information and effective interventions or services.