Aryana Libris

Author : Barasi Mary E.
Title : Human nutrition A health perspective
Year : 2003

Link download : Barasi_Mary_E_-_Human_nutrition.zip

Preface. The need for a second edition of this book stems from the continuing rapid changes occurring in our understanding of nutrition. A number of these developments can be identified here. Advances have taken place in the way that information is collected and reviewed and the concept of an evidence base informing practice has become established. Research findings from many studies can be subjected to reviews, using an approach that should be both systematic and clear in its methodology. In this way, it is increasingly possible to provide some answers to important questions, on the basis of a body of research evidence that has been thoroughly analysed and combined with data from similar studies to produce quantitative outcomes. This approach of systematic review strengthens the conclusions that are made, and provides a sound basis for policy or practice to be developed. The Cochrane Database contains information relating to clinical systematic reviews and is a prime example of the application of this methodology. In the future, all practice should be evidence based, and patients and consumers should expect this. A technological advance that has sometimes worked counter to the concept of an evidence base has been the widespread use of the Internet, with the proliferation of web-based resources. These can provide almost instant access to good quality information through online databases and access to scientific publications and reputable web sites, often with extensive links to related information. However, there is also the opportunity for much unscientific and uncontrolled information to be presented, and this may be confusing, inaccurate, misleading and potentially dangerous. For users of such information, there is a real need to have some basic nutrition knowledge to enable them to discern truth from fiction. One of the most exciting developments at the beginning of the new millennium has been the human genome project, with mapping of human DNA. This reflects the enormous advances that have occurred in molecular biology in recent years. These are already having their impact in nutrition, with research outcomes identifying genetic variants that explain some of the recognized differences in the way individuals respond to nutrients or exhibit increased susceptibility to nutritional disorders. There is a great deal to be discovered in this field. At some point in the future, we will understand much more about the way that genes and nutrients interact. The moves towards healthy eating in the last two decades of the twentieth century led to recognition that food and nutrition can have positive health benefits. From this has developed a concept of optimal nutrition, wherein food or nutrients can be actively used to promote health, in ways that are additional to their nutritional role. This has generated new developments within the food industry to produce functional or smart foods that aim to address these demands. At present, there is a lack of sound evidence about the mechanisms of action or the benefits in humans for some of these components. Consequently, the amounts required to be consumed for optimal benefit are also unknown, and more research in this area is needed. ...