BM 002 Body Metabolism

Nutrition is intimately linked with body metabolism. The goal of this course is to give you an understanding of what the body does with the food we eat. We begin with a detailed study of enzymes including the importance of vitamins and minerals. We then examine metabolic reactions used to obtain energy from carbohydrates, protein and fat as well as reactions used to rid our body of wastes such as urea and uric acid. The key role of the liver in metabolism will be emphasized throughout the course. Other topics will include digestive hormones, production of lactic acid, lipid carriers and the effects of low carbohydrate diets, including the effect on insulin/glucagon ratio, gluconeogenesis, ketosis and more.