In the first week of the Medical Nutritional Therapy course, the following lectures were held:
Prof. Dr. Vladimir Jakovljevic delivered two comprehensive lectures covering essential physiological and nutritional concepts. In the first part, he focused on the physiology of digestion and absorption, emphasizing the metabolic pathways of the three main macronutrients: proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. He explained how each of these nutrients is broken down, absorbed, and utilized in the body, highlighting their distinct metabolic roles and regulatory mechanisms.
In the second part of his lecture, Prof. Jakovljevic addressed the nutritional requirements for energy and macronutrients, outlining the daily needs for proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. He also discussed the importance of water and electrolyte balance in maintaining physiological homeostasis. Furthermore, he explored the nutritional needs for vitamins and trace elements, noting common deficiencies, their clinical implications, and strategies for prevention through dietary planning and supplementation.
Doc. Dr. Danijela Jovanovic presented a lecture on malnutrition, starting with its definition, diagnosis, and clinical significance. She examined the role of anthropometry in nutritional assessment, with attention to variations influenced by genetic and population-specific factors. Additionally, she provided an overview of screening and assessment methods, including the most widely accepted diagnostic criteria for identifying malnutrition in clinical practice.