<p>Leah A Cewinske, B.S., M.S.(Rush University Medical Center)<br /> <br /> **Description**<br /> This is one of 12 books in a series on nutraceuticals. While all books in the<br /> series focus on the current nutraceuticals market and research, this is the<br /> only book to critically analyze the use of nutraceuticals in pregnant women and<br /> their infants. The book can be broken into three major categories, focusing on<br /> the use and role of nutraceuticals before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and<br /> after pregnancy and their effects on maternal and infant health. <br /> <br /> **Purpose**<br /> The purpose is to examine various nutraceuticals used for prenatal health and<br /> the health of mothers and their children. Specifically, the book aims to report<br /> trends and research on the use of various nutraceutical products. While<br /> relatively vague, the objectives of the book appear worthy. According to the<br /> authors, this book is the first of its kind and, given the populations<br /> discussed, may have public health implications. As nutraceutical products are<br /> relatively inexpensive and increasingly being used for health and disease<br /> prevention, it is important to examine claims made about such products. The<br /> book meets its objectives, presenting recent research on various nutraceuticals<br /> and appropriate references for further investigation. <br /> <br /> **Audience**<br /> The book is intended as a tool for practicing health care clinicians, including<br /> physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and dietitians. While a<br /> basic science background may be necessary to understand the book, it may also<br /> be of use to students pursuing advanced degrees in health care. Clinicians and<br /> students with an interest in prenatal and neonatal care will especially find<br /> the book interesting. The book meets the needs of the intended audience by<br /> providing current evidence for and against various nutraceuticals as they<br /> relate to common disease states. The book's authors and over 30 contributors<br /> appear to be credible authorities on the topics discussed based on their<br /> credentials and publications. <br /> <br /> **Features**<br /> This is an original book examining what nutraceuticals are, their use prior to<br /> and during pregnancy, and their impact on offspring health. A foreword and<br /> preface open the book, proceeded by a list of contributors, 19 chapters, and an<br /> index. In addition to defining nutraceutical products, the book investigates<br /> how the use of such products may be confounded by diet, genetics, race, age,<br /> and many other factors. Furthermore, it discusses how the duration of exposure<br /> to nutraceuticals must be considered as these products become more popular and<br /> commonplace. The first section of the book examines nutraceuticals generally,<br /> as well as their use in pregnancy. The early chapters identify other common<br /> names for nutraceuticals and discuss how they are defined differently in<br /> various parts of the world. Given the potential impact of these products on<br /> metabolic syndrome and other non-communicable diseases, the book consistently<br /> offers and encourages further research on the effects of nutraceuticals. With<br /> regard to pre-pregnancy use of these products, the authors specifically mention<br /> the use and benefits of probiotics, long-chain fatty acids, folic acid,<br /> calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, and ginger for both mother and<br /> fetus. Once again, the book provides appropriate references and encourages<br /> further research and regulation of nutraceuticals. The next section discusses<br /> the use of nutraceuticals during pregnancy. In addition to thoroughly examining<br /> the impact of excessive and inadequate gestational weight gain during<br /> pregnancy, the chapters also provide information on the use of nutraceuticals<br /> on specific diseases including anemia, infection, hormone balance, preeclampsia<br /> and eclampsia, and gestational diabetes. In its final section, the book<br /> examines nutraceuticals used for offspring health, with a major focus on<br /> products for bone and dental health. Here, the book discusses functional foods<br /> and supplements that may impact osteoporosis and fractures in mothers, as well<br /> as fetal bone development. A unique feature of this book is the contents<br /> section at the beginning of each chapter that gives an overview of the topics<br /> to be discussed. This feature allows readers to find information of interest<br /> quickly. Additionally, the figures and tables throughout the book are useful<br /> and informative. <br /> <br /> **Assessment**<br /> This book is unique from any other that I have read. It does not simply describe<br /> the impact of various nutrients on maternal and infant health, but rather<br /> examines the impact of nutraceuticals, functional foods, and supplements on<br /> health. While I consistently read articles to keep current on pediatric<br /> nutrition, it can be difficult to compile information on nutraceuticals as they<br /> relate to specific maternal and infant disease states given the sparsity and<br /> need for further research studies. A book with relevant resources in one volume<br /> is therefore useful. As a dietitian working in the clinical realm, I make diet<br /> recommendations and evaluate those recommendations using intake data,<br /> anthropometrics, and labs. This book provides information that can be used to<br /> provide women and their children with diet recommendations. <br /> <br /> -----------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> Weighted Numerical Score: 96 - 4 Stars!</p>