Abstract: Advances in the techniques and methodologies for the evaluation of protein quality are presented for agricultural researchers. An overall view of the strengths and weaknesses of the various evaluation methods is provided along with in-depth descriptions of several new and established techniques. The discussions cover the protein requirements of humans and their relevance to protein quality evaluation, the analytical methods for determining the amino acids profiles of particular foods, chemical and microbiological assays of protein quality, use of animal experimentation and clinical methods, and choice of procedure. The specific methodologies described include the Kjeldahl procedure for total nitrogen determination, sulphur amino acid analysis by performic acid pre-oxidation, the four-enzyme in vitro assay for protein digestibility, and procedures for the determination of net protein utilization and relative protein value in rats.

It is a commonly held belief that athletes, particularly body builders, have greater requirements for dietary protein than sedentary individuals. However, the evidence in support of this contention is controversial. This book is the latest in a series of publications designed to inform both civilian and military scientists and personnel about issues related to nutrition and military service. Among the many other stressors they experience, soldiers face unique nutritional demands during combat. Of particular concern is the role that dietary protein might play in controlling muscle mass and strength, response to injury and infection, and cognitive performance. The first part of the book contains the committee's summary of the workshop, responses to the Army's questions, conclusions, and recommendations. The remainder of the book contains papers contributed by speakers at the workshop on such topics as, the effects of aging and hormones on regulation of muscle mass and function, alterations in protein metabolism due to the stress of injury or infection, the role of individual amino acids, the components of proteins, as neurotransmitters, hormones, and modulators of various physiological processes, and the efficacy and safety considerations associated with dietary supplements aimed at enhancing performance.

Diet Evaluation: A Guide to Planning a Healthy Diet provides knowledge about diet and health along with an accurate and convenient way to assess the nutritional adequacy of individual and family diets. The book discusses health promotion and disease prevention; the prevalence, risk factors, and major complications of coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cancer, and osteoporosis. The text also provides dietary recommendations; diet guide nutrient nutri-unit tables; and menu items with maximum quantities of nutrients. Dieticians, nutritionists, and people concerned with their health and fitness will find the book useful.

Dramatic changes in the attitudes toward human nutrition have taken place dur ing the past decade. Food-related and medical professionals as well as consumers are now, more than ever before, aware of and concerned about diet, nutrition, and the beneficial and deleterious effects of food processing upon nutrients. The old saying "We are what we eat" is still relevant. Nutritious food will contribute greatly to consumers' good health and ultimately reduce medical bills. Food processing is essential to maintaining our food reserves from one harvest to another, thus letting us serve our daily meals regularly. If food processing is defined as including all treatments of foodstuffs from harvest to consumption, then more than 95% of our food may be considered as processed. In most cases, food processing and storage cause some reduction in the nutritional value of foods. Advances in food science and food technology have resulted in an increase in nu trient retention after processing. In addition, today's consumer better understands how to avoid excessive nutrient losses during food preparation. The information presented in this completely revised reference and textbook will help the reader to understand better the relationship between food processing and nutrient retention. The authors' scholarly contributions are greatly appreciated.