CRC Desk Reference for Nutrition, Third Edition

Article first published as Book Review: CRC Desk Reference for Nutrition, Third Edition by Carolyn D. Berdanier on Blogcritics.
“CRC Desk Reference for Nutrition, Third Edition” by Carolyn D. Berdanier is the most recent compilation of terms.  In the “How to Use This Book” section it states “Terms of importance to nutritionists, dietitians, and clinicians are listed alphabetically.  Cross-referencing is used when more than one term is used for the same definition.”  As well, there are two appendices in the back of the book; one that contains information about meal planning and food selection and the other offering metabolic maps.
A sampling of the terms is as follows:
Alcohol Abuse and Hypertension: Significant alcohol intake is positively associated with hypertension.  Light intakes have little or no effect on blood pressure.
Decarboxylase: An enzyme that catalyzes the removal of a carboxyl group from a carbon chain.
Lysine: An essential amino acid (see Table 5). When consumed with glucose, there is a threefold rise in insulin and glucagon release with a subsequent fall in blood glucose.
Pineal Gland: A gland that received light information by way of the eyes and sympathetic nerves.  It produces melatonin, serotonin, and acetylserotonin. It is located in the brain between the thalamus and the mesencephalon.
Although geared for those in the health industry, I believe “CRC Desk Reference for Nutrition, Third Edition” by Carolyn D. Berdanier would be a valuable tool for anyone interested in their own health.  Not only does it present explanation of terms used in the medical industry, it provides explanation of additives and vitamins, something we all should be aware of.  The data is presented in a concise manner, giving enough information to satisfy the reader or the option of researching more on the topic. This is one of the best desk references for nutrition I have seen.  Recommended!


CRC Desk Reference for Nutrition, Third Edition
Carolyn D. Berdanier
CRC Press (2011)
ISBN 9781439848449
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (4/12)