Clinical Nutrition and Nutritional Disorders

Clinical Nutrition and Nutritional Disorders is a crucial topic for tertiary students in Dietetics, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, and Medicine in Zambia. This module explores the biochemical basis of nutrition, including macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, proteins), micronutrients (vitamins, trace elements), and energy metabolism. It covers major nutritional disorders such as Protein-Energy Malnutrition (marasmus, kwashiorkor), obesity, metabolic syndrome, and specific deficiency diseases. Students will learn about nutritional assessment, biochemical markers, and the role of nutrition in disease prevention and management. Understanding clinical nutrition is vital for addressing public health challenges in Zambia, including both undernutrition and the rising burden of obesity-related diseases. This topic is integral to university curricula, professional training, and equipping graduates to work in hospitals, community health, and policy development across Zambia.