The use of stable isotopes in nutritional studies is now widespread, and the technique is becoming increasingly popular. Practical applications are numerous and include:calcium and iron absorption studiesstudies looking at the impacts of diet, physical activity, aging, and medical therapy and supplementation on nutrient metabolismthe measurement of energy cost of pregnancystudies on the causes of growth faltering in infantsinvestigations into childhood and adult obesity.This book is designed as a laboratory handbook of methods used to perform stable isotope studies in humans. It covers basic principles, dosage information, sample preparation procedures, analytical instrumentation, and necessary mathematical methods and provides the fundamentals to enable researchers to evaluate and establish stable isotope methods in their own laboratories.

This publication was developed by an international group of experts as an integral part of the IAEA's efforts to contribute to the transfer of technology and knowledge in nutrition. Its aim is to assist Member States in their efforts to combat malnutrition by facilitating the use of relevant nuclear techniques. The stable (non-radioactive) isotope technique has been developed to assess intake of human milk in breastfed infants. The practical application of the stable isotope technique, based on analysis of deuterium by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), is presented in this book.

The study of human diet brings together reseachers from diverse backgrounds ranging from modern human nutrition and biochemistry to the geochemistry of fossilized bones and teeth. The contributions to this volume grow out of the Fourth Advanced Seminar on Paleodiet and provide a forum for scholars with common interests to discuss the latest advances and interpretations and chart future directions for paleodietry research.

WHO and UNICEF jointly developed this global strategy to focus world attention on the impact that feeding practices have on the nutritional status, growth and development, health, and thus the very survival of infants and young children. The strategy is the result of a comprehensive two-year participatory process. It is based on the evidence of nutrition's significance in the early months and years of life, and of the crucial role that appropriate feeding practices play in achieving optimal health outcomes. The strategy is intended as a guide for action; it identifies interventions with a proven positive impact; it emphasizes providing mothers and families the support they need to carry out their crucial roles, and it explicitly defines the obligations and responsibilities in this regards of governments, international organizations, and other concerned parties.

Radioactive isotopes and enriched stable isotopes are used widely in medicine, agriculture, industry, and science, where their application allows us to perform many tasks more accurately, more simply, less expensively, and more quickly than would otherwise be possible. Indeed, in many casesâ€"for example, biological tracersâ€"there is no alternative. In a stellar example of "technology transfer" that began before the term was popular, the Department of Energy (DOE) and its predecessors has supported the development and application of isotopes and their transfer to the private sector. The DOE is now at an important crossroads: Isotope production has suffered as support for DOE's laboratories has declined. In response to a DOE request, this book is an intensive examination of isotope production and availability, including the education and training of those who will be needed to sustain the flow of radioactive and stable materials from their sources to the laboratories and medical care facilities in which they are used. Chapters include an examination of enriched stable isotopes; reactor and accelerator-produced radionuclides; partnerships among industries, national laboratories, and universities; and national isotope policy.

A new book in the acclaimed Nutrition Society Textbook Series, Nutrition Research Methodologies addresses the rapidly advancing field of nutrition research. It covers the diverse methodologies required for robust nutritional research to ensure thorough understanding of key concepts, both for students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and for scientists working in nutrition research. Combining theory with practical application, Nutrition Research Methodologies addresses both traditional research methods and new technologies, and focuses on a range of complex topics, including energy compensation, nutrient-gene interactions and metabolic adaptation. It also considers statistical issues as well as application of data to policy development. Provides the reader with the required scientific basics of nutrition research in the context of a systems and health approach Written specifically to meet the needs of individuals involved in nutrition research Combines the viewpoints of world-leading nutrition experts from academia and research with practical applications Accompanied by a companion website with a range of self-assessment material (www.wiley.com/go/lovegrove/nutritionresearch)

Isotopes are used in many areas of science and technology, including medicine, archaeology, and nuclear physics. They are central to our understanding of the Earth's past and current processes. Here, Rob Ellam explains the importance and applications of stable and radioactive isotopes.