Leah A Cewinske, B.S., M.S.(Rush University Medical Center) **Description**This is one of 12 books in a series on nutraceuticals. While all books in theseries focus on the current nutraceuticals market and research, this is theonly book to critically analyze the use of nutraceuticals in pregnant women andtheir infants. The book can be broken into three major categories, focusing onthe use and role of nutraceuticals before pregnancy, during pregnancy, andafter pregnancy and their effects on maternal and infant health. **Purpose**The purpose is to examine various nutraceuticals used for prenatal health andthe health of mothers and their children. Specifically, the book aims to reporttrends and research on the use of various nutraceutical products. Whilerelatively vague, the objectives of the book appear worthy. According to theauthors, this book is the first of its kind and, given the populationsdiscussed, may have public health implications. As nutraceutical products arerelatively inexpensive and increasingly being used for health and diseaseprevention, it is important to examine claims made about such products. Thebook meets its objectives, presenting recent research on various nutraceuticalsand appropriate references for further investigation. **Audience**The book is intended as a tool for practicing health care clinicians, includingphysicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and dietitians. While abasic science background may be necessary to understand the book, it may alsobe of use to students pursuing advanced degrees in health care. Clinicians andstudents with an interest in prenatal and neonatal care will especially findthe book interesting. The book meets the needs of the intended audience byproviding current evidence for and against various nutraceuticals as theyrelate to common disease states. The book's authors and over 30 contributorsappear to be credible authorities on the topics discussed based on theircredentials and publications. **Features**This is an original book examining what nutraceuticals are, their use prior toand during pregnancy, and their impact on offspring health. A foreword andpreface open the book, proceeded by a list of contributors, 19 chapters, and anindex. In addition to defining nutraceutical products, the book investigateshow the use of such products may be confounded by diet, genetics, race, age,and many other factors. Furthermore, it discusses how the duration of exposureto nutraceuticals must be considered as these products become more popular andcommonplace. The first section of the book examines nutraceuticals generally,as well as their use in pregnancy. The early chapters identify other commonnames for nutraceuticals and discuss how they are defined differently invarious parts of the world. Given the potential impact of these products onmetabolic syndrome and other non-communicable diseases, the book consistentlyoffers and encourages further research on the effects of nutraceuticals. Withregard to pre-pregnancy use of these products, the authors specifically mentionthe use and benefits of probiotics, long-chain fatty acids, folic acid,calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, and ginger for both mother andfetus. Once again, the book provides appropriate references and encouragesfurther research and regulation of nutraceuticals. The next section discussesthe use of nutraceuticals during pregnancy. In addition to thoroughly examiningthe impact of excessive and inadequate gestational weight gain duringpregnancy, the chapters also provide information on the use of nutraceuticalson specific diseases including anemia, infection, hormone balance, preeclampsiaand eclampsia, and gestational diabetes. In its final section, the bookexamines nutraceuticals used for offspring health, with a major focus onproducts for bone and dental health. Here, the book discusses functional foodsand supplements that may impact osteoporosis and fractures in mothers, as wellas fetal bone development. A unique feature of this book is the contentssection at the beginning of each chapter that gives an overview of the topicsto be discussed. This feature allows readers to find information of interestquickly. Additionally, the figures and tables throughout the book are usefuland informative. **Assessment**This book is unique from any other that I have read. It does not simply describethe impact of various nutrients on maternal and infant health, but ratherexamines the impact of nutraceuticals, functional foods, and supplements onhealth. While I consistently read articles to keep current on pediatricnutrition, it can be difficult to compile information on nutraceuticals as theyrelate to specific maternal and infant disease states given the sparsity andneed for further research studies. A book with relevant resources in one volumeis therefore useful. As a dietitian working in the clinical realm, I make dietrecommendations and evaluate those recommendations using intake data,anthropometrics, and labs. This book provides information that can be used toprovide women and their children with diet recommendations. ----------------------------------------------------------- Weighted Numerical Score: 96 - 4 Stars!
