Nutrition Basics

Nutrition Basics is a Breni path that explains how food fuels the body and how to make sense of nutrition advice. Its 7 courses cover what nutrition is, macronutrients, vitamins and minerals, food labels, balanced meals, nutrition across life, and myths and evidence. Learners finish able to read a food label, plan a balanced day of meals and judge a diet claim by its evidence. It is educational only and is not a meal plan or medical advice. Macronutrients come before labels, and the courses unlock in order.

  • 7 courses
  • 18 learning objectives
  • Level: beginner
  • Language: English
  • Price: Subscription, free trial

What you will be able to do

  • Explain what carbohydrates, fats and protein each do in the body
  • Read a nutrition label for serving size, sugar, salt and fibre
  • Plan a balanced day of meals using a national food guide
  • Name food sources of iron, calcium and key vitamins
  • Judge a diet claim by the quality of the evidence behind it

Full curriculum

Part 1 · How food works

1. Nutrition Basics: How Food Works

Explain what nutrients do and how the body uses food. Units, in order: Macronutrients and micronutrients; Energy and calories; Digestion and absorption; Water and hydration; How nutrition science is studied; How the body uses energy at rest and during activity.

  • — Macro and Micro Nutrients
    Learn the big and small parts of food.
    • Carbs, proteins, and fats
    • Vitamins and minerals
    • Nutrient functions
  • — Energy and Calories
    Understand how food provides fuel for life.
    • What is a calorie
    • Calories in macros
    • Energy balance
  • — Digestion and Absorption
    See how your body breaks down food.
    • The path of food
    • Breaking down food
    • Nutrient absorption
  • — Water and Hydration
    Learn why water is vital for life.
    • Why water matters
    • Fluid balance
    • Signs of dehydration
  • — Nutrition Science Studies
    Discover how researchers learn about food.
    • Dietary studies
    • Clinical trials
    • Spotting good claims
  • — Energy at Rest and Action
    Explore how your body uses energy.
    • Energy at rest
    • Energy during exercise
    • Metabolic rate

2. Carbohydrates, Fats and Protein

Describe what each macronutrient does and where it comes from. Units, in order: Sugars, starches and fibre; The glycaemic index; Saturated, unsaturated and trans fats; Protein and amino acids; Plant and animal protein sources; How much of each macronutrient adults need.

3. Vitamins and Minerals

Explain what key vitamins and minerals do and where to find them. Units, in order: Fat-soluble vitamins; Water-soluble vitamins; Iron, calcium and iodine; Deficiencies around the world; Supplements and their limits.

Part 2 · Eating in practice

4. Reading Food Labels

Read nutrition labels and ingredient lists accurately. Units, in order: Serving sizes; Nutrition facts panels; Ingredient lists; Health and marketing claims; Ultra-processed foods; Comparing two products side by side.

5. Building Balanced Meals

Plan meals that cover the main food groups. Units, in order: Food guides such as MyPlate and the Eatwell Guide; Portion sizes; Eating well on a budget; Cooking methods and nutrients; Vegetarian and vegan eating.

Part 3 · Nutrition and life

6. Nutrition Across Life

Describe how nutritional needs change from childhood to old age. Units, in order: Children and teenagers; Pregnancy; Older adults; Nutrition for sport; Food allergies and intolerances.

7. Nutrition Myths and Evidence

Judge diet claims by the evidence behind them. Units, in order: Popular diets compared; Detox claims; Reading a nutrition study; Spotting misinformation online; When to see a dietitian; Reading headlines about superfoods.

Sample: Nutrition Basics: How Food Works

The opening tier, (Macro and Micro Nutrients). Learn the big and small parts of food.

Carbs, proteins, and fats

These are macronutrients. Your body needs them in large amounts.

Vitamins and minerals

These are micronutrients. Your body needs them in small amounts.

Nutrient functions

Macro parts give energy and build tissue. Micro parts help body functions.

Questions about Nutrition Basics

Can I learn nutrition on my own?

Yes, the basics of nutrition science can be learned without a classroom. Nutrition Basics on Breni starts with what nutrients do.

Is this nutrition course medical advice?

No. It is educational only and not medical advice, so speak to a doctor or registered dietitian about your own diet or health conditions.

Will this course give me a diet plan?

No. It teaches how nutrition works so you can make sense of advice, rather than giving a personal plan.

What are the six essential nutrients?

Carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. The first three courses cover all six.

Do I get a certificate in nutrition?

Completing all 7 courses earns a Breni certificate of completion. It does not qualify you as a nutritionist or dietitian.

Related learning paths

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