To achieve and maintain optimal health, it is essential that the vitamins in foods are present in sufficient quantity and are in a form that the body can assimilate. Vitamins inFoods: Analysis, Bioavailability, and Stability presents the latest information about vitamins and their analysis, bioavailability, and stability in foods.

Every country in the world is concerned with the nutritional status of its population and in utilizing its natural food resources in the most effective way possible. Surveys based on food intakes and food compositional data are being conducted with the object of establishing recommended intakes of vitamins. These recommendations are constantly being changed as new knowledge comes to light. Analytical techniques using physicochemical and microbiological methods have been largely developed to determine the total vitamin content of a food commodity or diet using the most rigorous extraction method commensurate with the stability of the vitamin. The extraction procedures frequently involve prolonged heating of suitably prepared food samples at extremes of pH to liberate vitamins from chemically bound forms in the food matrix or to remove a preponderance of fat from fatty foods. For several vitamins the data obtained by these means grossly overestimate the nutritional value of the food because the human digestive system fails to liberate bound vitamin forms for subsequent absorption by the intestine. This statement is borne out by reports of vitamin deficiency in situations where the dietary supply of vitamin is adequate on the basis of conventional analysis. Various research labora tories are directing their effort toward the estimation of bioavailable vitamin, i. e. the proportion of vitamin in the food which is available for utilization by the body. So far, few data have been published and there are many gaps in the knowledge required to interpret experimental results.

This volume is the newest release in the authoritative series issued by the National Academy of Sciences on dietary reference intakes (DRIs). This series provides recommended intakes, such as Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs), for use in planning nutritionally adequate diets for individuals based on age and gender. In addition, a new reference intake, the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), has also been established to assist an individual in knowing how much is "too much" of a nutrient. Based on the Institute of Medicine's review of the scientific literature regarding dietary micronutrients, recommendations have been formulated regarding vitamins A and K, iron, iodine, chromium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, and other potentially beneficial trace elements such as boron to determine the roles, if any, they play in health. The book also: Reviews selected components of food that may influence the bioavailability of these compounds. Develops estimates of dietary intake of these compounds that are compatible with good nutrition throughout the life span and that may decrease risk of chronic disease where data indicate they play a role. Determines Tolerable Upper Intake levels for each nutrient reviewed where adequate scientific data are available in specific population subgroups. Identifies research needed to improve knowledge of the role of these micronutrients in human health. This book will be important to professionals in nutrition research and education.

This practical book provides crucial information necessary to formulate diets with appropriate amounts of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. The factors that influence how well animals obtain these critical nutrients and methods for determining bioavailability are reviewed in this comprehensive text. In addition, data from both ruminants and nonruminants are included as well as established estimates of bioavailability for particular feed stuffs and feed supplements.

This volume is the newest release in the authoritative series of quantitative estimates of nutrient intakes to be used for planning and assessing diets for healthy people. Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) is the newest framework for an expanded approach developed by U.S. and Canadian scientists. This book discusses in detail the role of vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and the carotenoids in human physiology and health. For each nutrient the committee presents what is known about how it functions in the human body, which factors may affect how it works, and how the nutrient may be related to chronic disease. Dietary Reference Intakes provides reference intakes, such as Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs), for use in planning nutritionally adequate diets for different groups based on age and gender, along with a new reference intake, the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), designed to assist an individual in knowing how much is "too much" of a nutrient.

Diet and Health examines the many complex issues concerning diet and its role in increasing or decreasing the risk of chronic disease. It proposes dietary recommendations for reducing the risk of the major diseases and causes of death today: atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (including heart attack and stroke), cancer, high blood pressure, obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, and dental caries.

Functional foods and nutraceuticals are food products that naturally offer or have been modified to offer additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. As such products have surged in popularity in recent years, it is crucial that researchers and manufacturers understand the concepts underpinning functional foods and the opportunity they represent to improve human health, reduce healthcare costs, and support economic development worldwide. Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals: Bioactive Components, Formulations and Innovations presents a guide to functional foods from experienced professionals in key institutions around the world. The text provides background information on the health benefits, bioavailability, and safety measurements of functional foods and nutraceuticals. Subsequent chapters detail the bioactive components in functional foods responsible for these health benefits, as well as the different formulations of these products and recent innovations spurred by consumer demands. Authors emphasize product development for increased marketability, taking into account safety issues associated with functional food adulteration and solutions to be found in GMP adherence. Various food preservation methods aimed at enhancing the quality and shelf life of functional food are also highlighted. Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals: Bioactive Components, Formulations and Innovations is the first of its kind, designed to be useful to students, teachers, nutritionists, food scientists, food technologists and public health regulators alike.