Volume 89, Issue 5, May (2003), pp. 741-741 © The Author 2003
doi:10.1079/BJN2003817

Book Review

Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies

Frances Sizer and Eleanor Whitney. Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies, 9th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth 2002. £32.99 (paperback). pp. 578. ISBN 0 534 57799 7

This book is a well-written introductory text that presents the fundamental concepts of human nutrition in a very readable and understandable style. The authors assume a limited scientific background making the text potentially accessible to a wide audience. All biological concepts are explained in full and most of the scientific terms used are defined in margins supporting the main text. In addition, the content of Chapter 3 provides the reader with an overview of the biological systems supported by clear coloured diagrams. The text proceeds to discuss the nutrients arranged in separate chapters to cover carbohydrates, lipids, protein, vitamins and the minerals. Subsequent chapters address energy balance and the relationship between diet and health. Chapter 10 focuses on the health benefits associated with regular physical activity. However, most chapters contain a short section entitled ‘Think Fitness’ where the reader is encouraged to consider adequate physical activity in addition to diet as a key component affecting health. This integrated approach to the chapters is a consistent theme throughout the text providing a useful aid to learning. Chapters 11 and 12 consider nutrition over the life cycle. The penultimate chapter is entitled ‘Food Safety and Food Technology’ and includes topical sections on food additives and the use of pesticides. ‘Hunger and the Global Environment’ is the title of the final chapter. The text includes food composition tables, which are presented in an appendix.

Keywords:
Probiotics: Non-intestinal infections