Nutritional Aspects Of Osteoporosis » (REV)

Burckhardt, Peter, MD (Univ Hospital Lausanne, Switzerland); Dawson-Hughes, Bess, MD (USDA Nutrition Center at Tufts); Heaney, Robert P., MD (Creighton Univ)

This book is based on presentations given at the Fifth International Symposium on Nutritional Aspects of Osteoporosis held in Lausanne, Switzerland in 2003. Although an often neglected chapter of medical research, the nutritional influences on bone health was a discussed topic at this congress. Also discussed were new insights into the role of proteins, vitamins, potassium, vegetables, food acid load, mineral waters and calcium.

This book is based on presentations given at the Fifth International Symposium on Nutrional Aspects of Osteoporosis held in Lausanne, Switzerland in 2003. Although an often neglected chapter of medical research, the nutritional influences on bone health was a discussed topic at this congress. Also discussed were new insights into the role of proteins, vitamins, potassium, vegetables, food acid load, mineral waters and calcium.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Katie Beth Williams, BS, PhD(c)(University of Wisconsin-Madison)
Description:This book reviews the current knowledge of nutritional and hormonal factors, including calcium, vitamin D3, protein, acid load, and other vitamins and hormones that affect bone development and risk for osteoporosis. The original edition was published in 1991.
Purpose:This is a collection of reviews presented at the 5th International Symposium on Nutritional Aspects of Osteoporosis. The goals of these reviews are to summarize the progress made in the past three years in several areas related to osteoporosis. Particular emphasis is placed on clinical research. These are worthy objectives. Osteoporosis is a major health concern worldwide, so a better understanding of the nutritional factors involved in the disease's etiology is essential for improved prevention and treatment. The author's objectives are met. The reviews acknowledge the complexity of the disease by including studies of a variety of nutritional and hormonal factors closely related to osteoporosis.
Audience:Although the editor does not specify for whom the book is written, it appears it is intended for scientific investigators, particularly clinical investigators, looking for a general overview of the nutritional and hormonal elements related to osteoporosis and information needed to make nutritional recommendations. The authors are experienced clinical and basic investigators and experts in their fields.
Features:The book includes reviews and summaries of research, particularly clinical research, on the nutritional and hormonal elements, including calcium, vitamin D3, protein, acid load, and other vitamins and hormones, that are related to the development of osteoporosis. There is a particular emphasis on vitamin D3 and protein, but a section on estrogen is lacking. The book contains black-and-white figures and graphs, as well as an appendix.
Assessment:This book provides a general overview of the current understanding of various nutritional and hormonal elements related to the etiology and treatment of osteoporosis. The focus on clinical research makes it a useful tool for researchers in the basic sciences for understanding the current status of clinical studies, as well as a useful tool for clinical researchers for general information about areas of research outside their own. The book will not be very helpful for researchers needing information on the mechanistic action of these nutrients and hormones. The previous edition was published in 1991, so an updated version is definitely justified.