Middle adulthood, or middle age, is the time of life between ages 40 to 60. During this time, people experience many physical changes that signal that the person is aging, including gray hair and hair loss, wrinkles and age spots, vision and hearing loss, and weight gain, commonly called the middle age spread. In middle adulthood physical development is totally complete and there is gradual decline in functioning of organs begins. Middle adulthood is a time of personal development; however, it is the least researched and the last understood of the life stages. In 1900, the average life expectancy was approximately 49 years; in 1976, it was approximately 72 years. Some scientists predict that life expectancy will reach 100 years by the end of the twentieth century. Because of this rapid lengthening of the life span, the middle-adult population continues to grow. Middle adulthood, is the time of launching children from the home, grand parenting, reaching the peak in one's career, and preparing for retirement. Studies have shown that the socioeconomic status of an individual greatly influences the timing of major life events; in general, those in the middle and upper classes tend to delay these events. Therefore, to identify middle adulthood solely in terms of the events that often characterize it would be as erroneous as regarding chronological age as they only criterion.

Does a longer life mean a healthier life? The number of adults over 65 in the United States is growing, but many may not be aware that they are at greater risk from foodborne diseases and their nutritional needs change as they age. The IOM's Food Forum held a workshop October 29-30, 2009, to discuss food safety and nutrition concerns for older adults.

Nutrition in the Middle and Later Years focuses on the behavioral and biochemical aspects of eating geared to the population aged 45 or older. The selection first offers information on nutrition and lifestyle and nutritional requirements and the appropriate use of supplements. Topics include proteins, carbohydrates, fat soluble vitamins, minerals, status and aging, social isolation, and loss of income or reliance on fixed income. The text then elaborates on animal models in aging research and evaluation and treatment of obesity. The manuscript takes a look at alcoholism and nutritional factors in cardiovascular disease. Discussions focus on diet and atherosclerosis, general aspects of carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism in the alcoholic, and management of elderly alcoholic. The text also examines the relationship of nutrition and cancer, nutrition and gastrointestinal tract disorders, and neurological manifestations of nutritional deficiencies. The selection is highly recommended for nutritionists and readers wanting to conduct studies on nutrition during the middle and later years.

Adequate fiber in the diet is essential for maintaining gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health and for weight management and glycemic control. But a majority of people in developed countries fall short of their recommended daily intake. Designed for product developers, nutritionists, dietitians, and regulatory agencies, Dietary Fiber and Health discusses critical findings from the Ninth Vahouny Fiber Symposium about the significance of dietary fiber and ways to get more fiber in our diet. Steeped in research and the latest data from international experts, the book explores a range of topics related to this essential nutrient, including: The relationship between fiber and weight management, gastrointestinal health, heart disease, cancer, and glucose metabolism Prebiotic effects of fiber and the characteristics and modulation of healthy flora The health benefits of novel fibers such as inulin The characteristics of maltodextrin, Fibersol-2, and low viscous fiber on satiety, glycemia, microbiota, and other properties The impact of the new definition of dietary fiber published by the Codex Alimentarius Commission The properties and immunological impact of Galactooligosaccharide and research on its effect on colitis Resistant starch and associated compounds Oat, rye, barley, and other fibers Regulatory issues, including GRAS notice procedure It is imperative that food product developers formulate foods with fiber and that health professionals recommend foods high in fiber to improve public health. The contributors to this volume provide a survey of not only the impact of fiber on human health, but also the myriad opportunities for fiber ingredients to be incorporated into foods for the benefit of consumers.

As aging trends in the United States and Europe in particular are strongly suggestive of increasingly older society, it would be prudent for health care providers to better prepare for such changes. By including physiology, disease, nutrition, pharmacology, pathology, radiology and other relevant associated topics, Geriatric Gastroenterology fills the void in the literature for a volume devoted specifically to gastrointestinal illness in the elderly. This unique volume includes provision of training for current and future generations of physicians to deal with the health problems of older adults. It will also serve as a comprehensive guide to practicing physicians for ease of reference. Relevant to the geriatric age group, the volume covers epidemiology, physiology of aging, gastrointestinal physiology, pharmacology, radiology, pathology, motility disorders, luminal disorders, hepato-biliary disease, systemic manifestations, neoplastic disorders, gastrointestinal bleeding, cancer and medication related interactions and adverse events, all extremely common in older adults; these are often hard to evaluate and judge, especially considering the complex aging physiology. All have become important components of modern medicine. Special emphasis is be given to nutrition and related disorders. Capsule endoscopy and its utility in the geriatric population is also covered. Presented in simple, easy to read style, the volume includes numerous tables, figures and key points enabling ease of understanding. Chapters on imaging and pathology are profusely illustrated. All chapters are written by specialists and include up to date scientific information. Geriatric Gastroenterology is of great utility to residents in internal medicine, fellows in gastroenterology and geriatric medicine as well as gastroenterologists, geriatricians and practicing physicians including primary care physicians caring for older adults.

During the past decade, tremendous growth has occurred in the use of nutrition symbols and rating systems designed to summarize key nutritional aspects and characteristics of food products. These symbols and the systems that underlie them have become known as front-of-package (FOP) nutrition rating systems and symbols, even though the symbols themselves can be found anywhere on the front of a food package or on a retail shelf tag. Though not regulated and inconsistent in format, content, and criteria, FOP systems and symbols have the potential to provide useful guidance to consumers as well as maximize effectiveness. As a result, Congress directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to undertake a study with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to examine and provide recommendations regarding FOP nutrition rating systems and symbols. The study was completed in two phases. Phase I focused primarily on the nutrition criteria underlying FOP systems. Phase II builds on the results of Phase I while focusing on aspects related to consumer understanding and behavior related to the development of a standardized FOP system. Front-of-Package Nutrition Rating Systems and Symbols focuses on Phase II of the study. The report addresses the potential benefits of a single, standardized front-label food guidance system regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, assesses which icons are most effective with consumer audiences, and considers the systems/icons that best promote health and how to maximize their use.

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.

More children born today will survive to adulthood than at any time in history. It is now time to emphasize health and development in middle childhood and adolescence--developmental phases that are critical to health in adulthood and the next generation. Child and Adolescent Health and Development explores the benefits that accrue from sustained and targeted interventions across the first two decades of life. The volume outlines the investment case for effective, costed, and scalable interventions for low-resource settings, emphasizing the cross-sectoral role of education. This evidence base can guide policy makers in prioritizing actions to promote survival, health, cognition, and physical growth throughout childhood and adolescence.

The newest edition of the most trusted nutrition bible. Since its first, highly successful edition in 1996, The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Complete Food and Nutrition Guide has continually served as the gold-standard resource for advice on healthy eating and active living at every age and stage of life. At once accessible and authoritative, the guide effectively balances a practical focus with the latest scientific information, serving the needs of consumers and health professionals alike. Opting for flexibility over rigid dos and don’ts, it allows readers to personalize their own paths to healthier living through simple strategies. This newly updated Fifth Edition addresses the most current dietary guidelines, consumer concerns, public health needs, and marketplace and lifestyle trends in sections covering Choices for Wellness; Food from Farm to Fork; Know Your Nutrients; Food for Every Age and Stage of Life; and Smart Eating to Prevent and Manage Health Issues.