On 13 October 2026, the new university textbook “Human Nutrition” (Prehrana ljudi) was officially presented in Marija Bistrica, marking the culmination of four years of dedicated work and collaboration among experts in medicine, nutrition, and healthcare.
The textbook's principal authors are faculty members of the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek – Assist. Prof. Sanja Kovačić, PhD, Assoc. Prof. Barbara Ebling, and Assoc. Prof. Rajko Fureš, PhD. Other faculty members and associates also contributed to its preparation. The textbook was published by Medicinska naklada, with the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek serving as one of its co-publishers.
Interestingly, the idea for the textbook originated from teaching the Human Nutrition course within the undergraduate Nursing programme in Pregrada, as well as from the authors' extensive clinical experience and the recognised need for high-quality, evidence-based educational resources for future healthcare professionals.
The textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of nutrition, metabolism, macronutrients and micronutrients, nutritional requirements across different stages of life, and specific dietary considerations in various diseases and clinical conditions. Particular emphasis is placed on the practical application of knowledge, clinical nutrition, and the importance of respecting patients' cultural, religious, and individual dietary needs.
During the official presentation, Prof. Martina Smolić, PhD, Dean of the Faculty, highlighted the importance of integrating scientific knowledge with clinical practice and expressed her pride in the contributions made by the Faculty's academic staff and associates to this significant publication. She emphasised that high-quality professional literature plays a crucial role in educating healthcare professionals and fostering critical thinking, particularly at a time when reliable scientific information must be distinguished from the abundance of often unverified nutritional advice.
The authors also shared insights into the development of the textbook, emphasising that the project brought together experts from different disciplines and institutions. Their shared goal was to create a valuable educational resource that would support students throughout their studies while also serving healthcare professionals in their daily clinical practice.
The event was organised by the Croatian Medical Association, Krapina-Zagorje County Branch. In addition to the authors and the Dean, speakers included Anđa Raič, Editor at Medicinska naklada; Prof. Darija Vranešić Bender, PhD, one of the textbook's reviewers; and Andreja Filija, MD, Director of Zabok General Hospital and Croatian Veterans' Hospital.
The publication of “Human Nutrition” represents another important achievement of the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, reflecting the academic, scientific, and professional expertise of its staff, as well as the value of interinstitutional collaboration in developing high-quality university teaching materials.
We extend our sincere congratulations to all authors and contributors on this outstanding achievement!
