INTRODUCTION

Nutrition may be defined as the science of food and its relationship to health. It is concerned primarily with the part played by nutrients in body growth, development and maintenance. The word Nutrient or "food factor" is used for specific dietary constituents such as proteins, vitamins and minerals. Dietetics is the practical application of the principles of nutrition; it includes the planning of meals for the well and the sick. Good nutrition means "maintaining a nutritional status that enables us to grow well and enjoy good health". The subject of nutrition is very extensive. Since our concern is with community aspects of nutrition, the subject will be dealt with in five sections : dietary constituents, nutritional requirements, assessment of nutritional status, nutritional problems in public health and nutritional programmes

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of course students will be able to:

1.Define nutrition.

2.Understand the science of nutrition.

3.Describe the nutritional requirements and guidelines.

4.Understand the nutritional needs throughout various stages of life.

5. Comprehend the nutritional assessment and counseling.

6. Describe food processing, prevention and preservation

7. Identify the nutritional concerns related to diet and health