Class Pharmacodynamics and Food Supplements

The Pharmacodynamics and Food Supplements course aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of action of food supplements and their interaction with physiological and pharmacological processes. This course is part of the field of Nutritional Sciences, with a particular focus on Clinical Nutrition, and holds increasing relevance in the context of evidence-based practice. The scope of this course includes the critical assessment of the efficacy and safety of food supplements, their regulatory framework, and their impact on public health and clinical practice. Students will explore key concepts of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics applied to food supplements, including drug interactions and implications for different population groups, particularly those at risk.

Not applicable

Food Supplements and Healthy Eating Food Supplement Market Foodstuffs with Health and Nutrition Claims Nutrition Claims, Health Claims, and Claims Related to Disease Risk Reduction or Child Development and Health Food Supplements: Moderate Doses, Megadoses, Orthomolecular, Multivitamins, Plant-Based, Enzymes, Essential Fatty Acids, Prebiotics and Probiotics, and Supplements with Other Nutritional or Physiological Effects Novel Foods Basic Concepts of Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics Drug-Nutrient-Supplement Interactions Nutritional Status vs. Bioavailability of Drugs and Food Supplements At-Risk Population Groups

The Pharmacodynamics and Food Supplements course adopts innovative methodologies to promote active, evidence-based learning. Theoretical-practical classes include case studies and interactive debates, encouraging critical thinking in the evaluation of food supplements. Digital resources, such as scientific databases and evidence-analysis software, will be used to foster independent research and evidence interpretation. Additionally, students will develop projects and presentations, strengthening their scientific communication skills. Gamification and interactive quizzes will support content consolidation. These approaches ensure a dynamic learning experience aligned with clinical practice.

E.E. Tymczyszyn, M.I. Santos, M.C. Costa, A. Illanes and A. Gómez-Zavaglia(2013).  Chapter 5. History, synthesis, properties, applications and regulatory issues of prebiotic oligosaccharides. In : Carbohydrates Applications in Medicine, 00-000 ISBN: 978-81-308-0523-8 Editor: M. H. Gil. Kerala, India: Research Signpost. Cunha, A.P. , Pereira da Silva, A., Costa, M.C., Roque, O.R.,  Cunha, H.P., Cunha, M.P. (2017, outubro). Manual de Plantas Medicinais- Bases Clínicas e Farmacológicas, ISBN: 9789725766637. Edição ou reimpressão: 10-2017, Editor: Dinalivro, Lisboa Regulamento (CE) nº 178/2002 de 28 de janeiro Regulamento (CE) nº 1170/2009 de 30 de Novembro da Comissão, que altera a Directiva 2002/46/CE do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho e o Regulamento (CE) nº 1925/2006 do Parlamento Europeu.  Regulamento (CE) nº 1161/2011 de 14 de Novembro de 2011 que altera a Directiva 2002/46/CE do Parlamento Europeu e do Conselho.