The Essential Guide to Vitamins and Minerals: Second Edition, Revised and Updated [Paperback]

Elizabeth Somer (Author), Health Media Of America (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 4, 1996

The Essential Guide to Vitamins and Minerals provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of the importance of vitamins and minerals as reported by medical research studies and testing from leading institutions around the world. In three parts this book 1) Gives a detailed profile of over 40 vitamins and minerals (including nutrient-nutrient interactions), 2) Examines the effects of vitamins and minerals on over 40 diseases and conditions, and 3) Lays out guidelines for creating the vitamin/mineral-rich diet. In addition, here you'll find everything you need to know about:

• Antioxidants and the Prevention of Disease and Premature Aging

• Vitamins, Minerals, and the Body

• The Recommended Daily Intakes

• Marginal Deficiencies

• Vitamins, Minerals, and the Immune System

• How Medications, Alcohol, and Tobacco Affect Nutrient Status

• Vitamins, Minerals, and Food

• Understanding and Choosing Supplements

• Meal-Planning Guidelines

• Convenience, Fast, and Snack Foods

• Special Diets

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Elizabeth Somer is a consulting nutritionist and author of numerous books on health and nutrition including Food and Mood, Nutrition Desk Reference, Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy, and Nutrition for Women.

Health Media of America is one of the foremost information packages for the pharmaceutical trade.

Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Collins Reference; 2 edition (January 4, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062733451
• ISBN-13: 978-0062733450
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #944,637 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

My "thing" is that I keep up with the current nutrition research. I've been reading 100s of research studies for years, then packaging that information into news-you-can-use for magazines, books, national and local television and radio, presentations to the general public, and continuing education seminars for health professionals. I specialize in understandable and practical information on how to eat and supplement and why to prevent disease and premature aging, promote health, and attain and maintain a healthy weight. For the past two decades, my aim has been to be the source of nutrition information that people can really trust to be accurate, up-to-date, and sound. I passionately love the science of nutrition, as well as cooking and preparing healthy meals, and believe with all my heart that if people just nourished their bodies with high-quality fuel, they would be rewarded a hundred-fold with health, energy, vitality, longevity, clear thinking, a fit figure, and improved moods.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional guide to improving health with proper nutrition, November 19, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Essential Guide to Vitamins and Minerals: Second Edition, Revised and Updated (Paperback)

There's now extensive research on the benefits of vitamins and minerals beyond just avoiding diseases caused by nutritional deficiencies. This book is an excellent guide to understanding those benefits and avoiding supplements that either are not beneficial or may even be harmful at excessive levels.

The authors carefully describe the degree to which a claimed benefit for each of 40 some vitamins and minerals is substantiated, as well as risks of toxicity, and dietary sources. There descriptions are based on a balanced assessment of the available research.

The first part of the book is organized by vitamin or mineral, so you can see the collected information on, for example, Vitamin E, in one place. The second part of the book is organized by disease or condition (e.g., cancer, fatigue, etc.) and discusses all the relevant vitamins and minerals, as well as general nutrition issues related to the disease. This second part is very helpful if you're facing a particular problem.

The book includes an extensive set of references, as well as a good glossary and index. Some information has changed in the years since the 2nd edition was published, but it seems generally up-to-date. When the 3rd edition comes out, I'll definitely buy a copy.

-- Paul Conte

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well organized, great information, clearly written reference book, July 5, 2006

By 

Billie Prosser (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Essential Guide to Vitamins and Minerals: Second Edition, Revised and Updated (Paperback)

This was the best book on vitamins and mineral supplments that I have ever read! It is comprehensive, very readable, and has excellent information. I learned a lot from each write-up and it was written in understandable language. Very well organized so you can easily find specific subjects you are looking for. An excellent reference manual for every home!