Vitamins are heterogenous bioactive substances required by the human body for its healthy functioning. Vitamins are required through a diet as they are normally not produced by the body. Their deficiency may lead to the development of diseases like scurvy, rickets, pellagra, beri-beri and many others. Vitamins have also been produced synthetically and used in supplements. However, they may induce hypersensitivity reactions, ranging from an allergic contact dermatitis to, urticaria as well as life-threatening anaphylaxis. Hypersensitivity to Vitamins summarizes knowledge from case reports, studies and investigations on hypersensitivity reactions to all types of vitamins (A, B, C, D, E and K). Chapters explain the identification, diagnosis and management of hypersensitivity reactions to vitamins. Key Features: - Provides a general introduction to vitamin allergies - Covers the major vitamin types: water soluble (B and C) and fat soluble (A, D, E and K) with chapters dedicated to each type - Provides information about identification, diagnosis and management of the specific hypersensitivity reactions in a clear and concise manner - Includes a chapter on unusual aspects of vitamin hypersensitivity. Hypersensitivity to Vitamins is an essential handbook for clinicians, nutritionists and pharmacists who want to quickly access information about vitamin allergies. Students of clinical immunology and pharmacology will also be able to learn about the subject.

This E-book covers the main aspects about the benefits of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) to human health. The knowledge of physiological effects of LC-PUFAs at different levels is constantly expanding. Topics covered over 10 chapters thoroughly detail the role of omega-3 LCPUFAs in nutrition (gene regulation) and disease (clinical applications); information about food sources and recent intake recommendations is also explained. This book also discusses current data concerning the role of LC-PUFAs during pregnancy and lactation, in cognitive function, immune response, allergy, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, depression, obesity, and insulin resistance. The book should be useful for advanced graduate students, public health officials as well as researchers working with LC-PUFAs.

This book summarizes key information required for planning and implementing a healthy diet for patients based on sound nutritional concepts. Readers will find information on the background of nutrition in disease management and nutritional regulations in the USA. The book also describes macro- and micronutrients (including minerals and vitamins) and the applications of relevant nutritional concepts to real-life situations, using well-designed simulated clinical scenarios. Additionally, factors contributing to disease as well as the link between socio-economic status, culture and nutrition are discussed. This book should serve as useful handbook for nutritionists and health care providers and medical or pharmacology students taking courses in nutritional sciences.

Nutritional Biochemistry: From the Classroom to the Research Bench aims to provide students and readers with a detailed, simplified, and comprehensive account of the relationship between nutrition and metabolism. A key feature of this textbook is a comparative approach on the subject of nutritional biochemistry which helps to explain the differences in metabolism, nutrient requirement, and sometimes in the molecular pathways between mammalian and non-mammalian species. Chapters give an overview of the need of food and water (chapter 1), before describing the cell and organ system components (chapter 2). The textbook then focuses on the regulation of food intake from the factors influencing appetite to the central and peripheral underlying mechanisms (chapters 3-5). Water intake and regulation in the body are covered (chapter 6), along with key topics of protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism (chapters 7, 8, and 9), including their digestion, absorption, transport, utilization, synthesis, degradation, and molecular regulation. A brief summary concludes the book (Chapter 10). This book serves as a textbook for students and faculty in beginner courses in biochemistry and nutrition and is designed to give learners a comprehensive understanding of the topic to help them when considering a career in research.

New tests and studies continue to reveal exciting information about the power of vitamin D in maintaining good health and preventing major illnesses. ‘Why Does Vitamin D Matter?’ not only covers vitamin D basics, but also explores the science of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), the protein that binds to the active metabolite of vitamin D to fulfill biochemical functions, it explains how vitamin D analogs directly activate the VDR. Readers will find this e-book informative, not only from the scientific point of view, but also from the potential applications of the knowledge into one’s daily life. Starting with a brief history of vitamin D and VDR research, followed by a detailed scientific report of how vitamin D and VDR work, this e-book goes on to cover epidemiological studies that investigate the outcome of vitamin D deficiency and the effects of vitamin D supplementation. Issues related to vitamin D supplementation are also addressed from different angles. This e-book continues with a comprehensive report on the numerous vitamin D analogs currently on the market or in development to treat various diseases, followed by exploring the possibility of developing this class of compounds for additional indications. This e-book is suitable for both general readers and scientists involved in vitamin D research or students who are interested in a career in biochemical/medical/nutritional research, especially in the field of vitamin D and the vitamin D receptor.

Micronutrients, which comprise minerals and vitamins, are essential for a variety of biological processes such as growth, immune response, regulation of gene expression and cognitive functions. Micronutrients: The Key to Good Health presents key information about the causes, signs and symptoms of micronutrient deficiencies along with remedial dietary measures. The book also provides authentic knowledge of the nature, structure and metabolic functions of vitamins and essential minerals in a reader-friendly manner. The aim of the book is to provide comprehensive knowledge about micronutrients and their role in a balanced diet for maintaining personal health. Key features: - Covers the basics of nutrition and the importance of micronutrients in health over 5 reader-friendly chapters - Covers metabolic functions of micronutrients - Covers the development of micronutrient rich food products - Includes information about micronutrient deficiencies with remedial dietary measures in terms of ready-to-eat food supplements in a precise manner - Includes information about phytochemical nutrients, prebiotics and postbiotics - Informs the reader about myths on micronutrients - Includes several informative illustrations, tables and appendices on daily nutrient requirements, diet assessment and composition and much more, This book serves as a ready reference for the health science students, public health workers, nutrition professionals, and health-conscious readers.