From Publishers Weekly
DeFelice, founder of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine, which promotes research on natural dietary supplements, argues that diet alone provides insufficient amounts of carnitine, a "protein-like substance" produced in the liver that regulates oxygen flow to the heart. He claims that a certain combination of nutraceuticals, which he calls his Cardiac Elixir, combats the many factors that cause heart disease. The primary ingredient is carnitine, the others vitamins E, B6, B12, folic acid and magnesium. Separate chapters devoted to each supplement explain their value, describe the supporting research and recommend who should take them, where to buy them and how much to take. DeFelice's statement that, in moderation, all alcoholAbeer, wine or liquorAis good for cardiac health will undoubtedly raise some eyebrows, as will his argument that fat and cholesterol have been oversold as cardiac villains. Acknowledging that the final word on nutraceuticals is not yet in, DeFelice discusses the evidence for and against other dietary supplements, such as fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene and coenzyme Q10, that may be included in future versions of the Cardiac Elixir. (Nov.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
"Natural" methods of controlling or preventing heart disease are exploding in the consumer health field, and these two books add their own unspectacular interpretations to the mix. Holt's (The Soy Revolution) objective is to assist the reader in lowering cholesterol, controlling body weight, improving general well-being, and adding to longevityAall through diet. Using the philosophy of Dr. Andrew Weil (e.g., Eight Weeks to Optimum Health), Holt explores the mind-body connection in terms of health and disease. His recommendations for exerting self-control and changing unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and substance abuse are good. But he dismisses most popular dietsAeven the American Dietetic Association's food pyramid, which he criticizes for its emphasis on breads and other carbohydrates made with refined flours and chemical additives. Also problematic is the book's high reading level. A better choice for libraries is still Seth J. Baum's The Total Guide to a Healthy Heart (LJ 7/99). DeFelice, an endocrinologist, introduces carnitine as a centerpiece of his "cardiac elixir" (which also includes vitamins B and E, folic acid, magnesium, and alcohol as supplements to healthy eating). His controversial statementsAsuch as the assertion that there is little clinical evidence that low-fat diets help prevent coronary artery disease and that all alcohol (not just red wine) protects against heart attacksAwill raise eyebrows. He also "discovers" a dubious "Fat Machine"Aa conspiracy on the part of the federal government, academic medicine, and the pharmaceutical and food industries to reveal only one side of the diet/heart disease connection. Not recommended.AJanet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans' Hosp., Tampa, FL
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.