Presented by: Nasir Bashirelahi, PhD

Course Description

To help the student understand the role of nutrition and nutraceuticals in dental health.

The term “nutraceutical” was coined from “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical” in 1989 by Stephen DeFelice, MD, founder and chairman of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine (FRIM), Cranford, NJ. According to DeFelice, nutraceuticals can be defined as, “a food (or part of a food) that provides medical or health benefits, including the prevention and/or treatment of a disease.” Examples: beta-carotene, lycopene and phytochemicals.

A well balanced diet, consisting of a complex mixture of good quality macronutrients (eg. carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins) and micronutrients (eg. vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals), is required for the maintenance of optimal health. Nutraceuticals are compounds that are not classified as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, or minerals. They are not strict dietary requirements for humans; however, they play an important role in health and prevention of diseases. Nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals, will be described in terms of their therapeutic use in promoting health, effects in cancer prevention and treatment, use in cardiovascular disorders, and in treatment of diabetes and extending life.

Method of Evaluation

Classroom Attendance, Participation, Written Paper

Schedule

All sessions of this elective are from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. in room 9106

Monday, February 2, 2015

Monday, February 9, 2015

Monday, February 16, 2015

Monday, February 23, 2015