Nutraceuticals: The Complete Encyclopedia of Supplements, Herbs, Vitamins, and Healing Foods (Paperback)

by Arthur J. Roberts (Author), Genelle Subak-Sharpe (Author), Mary E. O'Brien (Designer)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
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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Product Description
Each year millions of consumers spend billions of dollars on complementary health care products-vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other supplements as well as "healing" foods to maintain and improve their well-being.

For the first time in one volume, a comprehensive range of nutraceuticals is examined by a professional organization dedicated to applying the rigorous standards of conventional medicine to natural and alternative practices.

Based on the most recent scientific research, this encyclopedia combines the wisdom of conventional and alternative medicine to help readers choose and use the nutraceuticals best suited to their individual needs-and make informed decisions about their health.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 669 pages
• Publisher: Perigee Trade; 1st edition (January 9, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399526323
• ISBN-13: 978-0399526329
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.5 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #786,344 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)