The term
nutraceutical refers to components of foods or dietary supplements with medicinal or therapeutic effects. The increasing acceptance of alternative, complementary, and integrative medicine means that people need information about these substances. Because the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate them, there are no standards for manufacturing and efficacy, so the quality varies widely.
Nutraceuticals provides accurate information about the use of these preparations. After a brief historical introduction, information appears in three sections. The "Directory of Nutraceuticals" is an alphabetical list of diseases and conditions. Each entry includes a description of the condition, its symptoms, conventional treatments, and nutraceuticals that may be useful. Sidebars list myths and facts and strategies for relief. The editors, physicians who practice integrative medicine, encourage readers to consult their doctors about the best treatment for their ailments.
The next section, "Top 200 Nutraceuticals," lists the most popular vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, and botanicals. Each is defined, and the specific entries provide the recommended daily allowance by age group, why the substance is needed, therapeutic uses and dosages, signs of deficiency and overdose, and the best dietary sources. The history of the substance and cautions for use also appear. Entries for supplements tell users what to look for when choosing one and offer information about evidence for efficacy and potential problems. There are also charts with brief information about useful but less common botanicals and dangerous botanicals. "Nutraceuticals in Practice" provides chapters related to women's and men's health problems and aging.
Nutraceuticals is a very useful resource for public, academic, and medical libraries because it provides current, accurate information about widely used substances that are not well studied. Lay readers will find it easy to understand. It is less technical than the PDR for Herbal Medicine (2d ed., Medical Economics, 2000) and inexpensive, so librarians will be able to purchase both reference and circulating copies. RBB
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About the Author
Arthur J. Roberts, M.D., is the co-chairman of the American Nutraceuticals Association; the Founder, President and CEO of Integrated Community Wellness, Inc.; and the Director of the Jersey Shore Heart Institute. Dr. Roberts was trained as a surgeon and cardiac specialist at Yale-New Haven Hospital, the National Institute of Health, and the New York Cornell Hospital. He has held a variety of teaching and research positions including Temple University and Boston University Medical Center.
Genelle Subak-Sharpe is an editorial consultant and book packager whose company, G.S. Sharpe, has produced such notable health reference books as
The Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Complete Home Medical Guide and
The Yale University School of Medicine Patient's Guide to Medical Tests.
