This book describes the structure, function and nutritional values of iron-, zinc-, selenium- and calcium-containing proteins, exploring key mineral-containing proteins like phytoferritin and lactoferrin, as well as a host of zinc- and selenium-containing proteins. Due to their role in numerous metabolic processes, minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc and selenium are vital, and have to be obtained from a balanced diet because they cannot be synthesized. The structure and function of mineral-containing proteins influences the absorption of these essential minerals. As such, the study of these proteins is crucial for the assessment and maintenance of a balanced diet and for the development of effective mineral supplements. The book’s closing chapters focus on issues arising from current food processing techniques and in the development of mineral supplements. The book offers a valuable guide for researchers and students in the fields of food chemistry and nutrition.

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.

Results from the National Research Council's (NRC) landmark study Diet and health are readily accessible to nonscientists in this friendly, easy-to-read guide. Readers will find the heart of the book in the first chapter: the Food and Nutrition Board's nine-point dietary plan to reduce the risk of diet-related chronic illness. The nine points are presented as sensible guidelines that are easy to follow on a daily basis, without complicated measuring or calculatingâ€"and without sacrificing favorite foods. Eat for Life gives practical recommendations on foods to eat and in a "how-to" section provides tips on shopping (how to read food labels), cooking (how to turn a high-fat dish into a low-fat one), and eating out (how to read a menu with nutrition in mind). The volume explains what protein, fiber, cholesterol, and fats are and what foods contain them, and tells readers how to reduce their risk of chronic disease by modifying the types of food they eat. Each chronic disease is clearly defined, with information provided on its prevalence in the United States. Written for everyone concerned about how they can influence their health by what they eat, Eat for Life offers potentially lifesaving information in an understandable and persuasive way. Alternative Selection, Quality Paperback Book Club

This book reviews the state of knowledge and progress of research on food proteins, and in particular, milk proteins. Its basis is the Symposium on Milk Proteins that was held at the Federal Dairy Research Centre in Kiel, FRG, in June, 1988. Scien tists from around the world attended and addressed pure, as well as applied fields of protein research and technology. This book is divided into five sections, each adapted from the symposium's invited lectures, short communications, and poster presentations. New criteria for the "bio logical value" of dietary proteins and their relationships are considered according to: - Milk Proteins and Nitrogen Equilibrium - Milk Proteins and Ligands - Milk Proteins: Structural and Genetic Aspects - Milk Proteins: Technological and Functional Aspects - Milk Proteins and Clinical Nutrition Generally, different dietary proteins are classified according to their "biological value," i.e., their capacity to cause different retention of nitrogen in the body. But we think there are other intriguing leads worth studying that may help to identify which dietary proteins are best recommended for specific dietary situations or clini cal conditions. In addition, we have taken into consideration new fields such as attempts to determine the three-dimensional structure of proteins using two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, and the application of genetic engineering to the lactating cell. In other words, we are on the way to the transgenic cow with customized milk constituents and composition.

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 volume presents information regarding the mechanisms of protein absorption under normal and pathologic conditions, in addition to reviewing changes that occur at various stages of life. General modifiers of intestinal absorption, such as the processing of foods, the nutritional status of the individual, and disease, are explored with reference to both proteins and minerals. Inorganic macronutrients, namely calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, are discussed in relation to protein ingestion. The book also explores the concept of essential trace elements (e.g., iron, zinc, copper, and iodine) and their link to protein sufficiency. The relationship of ultratrace elements with the content of proteins in food is examined, and the book offers a fresh view of the role of certain elements, particularly zinc, on the conformation of proteins linked to DNA, hormone receptors, and gene products. Protein Nutrition and Mineral Absorption is packed with 2,300 references, 100 figures and graphs, plus 25 tables. Nutritionists and physicians will find this book to be an invaluable reference source for rationalizing nutritional interventions and diet modifications for their patients.