A Guide to Understanding Dietary Supplements: Magic Bullets or Modern Snake Oil? »

Talbott has background in exercise physiology and a PhD in nutritional biochemistry (Rutgers U. in New Jersey) and is now affiliated with the U. of Utah as well as a pharmaceutical and nutritional research company. With this reference he has performed a great service for the large numbers of people who are attracted to supplements for maintenance and enhancement of health and fitness, in particular, those who want something more than assurances from well-meaning friends or advertisers' claims. Information is arranged in sections according to health benefits, e.g. weight loss, energy level boosts, immune system support, and heart, joint, mood, and bone health. For each supplement, he tells what it is, claims for its efficacy, and the theory behind the function. Then he clearly discusses relevant scientific studies on the substance, its safety, its value, and a recommended dosage. The numerous works he consulted are listed for each supplement. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR