|
Title |
Gut Flora, Nutrition, Immunity and Health |
|
Date of Publication |
2003 |
|
Date Review was published on website |
December 2003 |
|
Editor |
Roy Fuller and Gabriela Perdigón |
|
Author's Background |
Roy Fuller
is a consultant in gut microecology, based in |
|
Credibility of Information |
The information is supported by scientific
literature and is very accurate. |
|
Target Audience |
Gut Flora, Nutrition, Immunity
and Health would appeal to a variety of health care professionals,
particularly those wanting to enhance their understanding of the immune
system and the gut flora. This resource would also be valuable for
professionals working with the aged population, cancer, eating
disorders, allergies or malnutrition/nutrition repletion. The book
provides a scientific literature review rather than practical and
client-centered information. Knowledge of basic immunology is needed to
understand the contents. |
|
Contents |
The
Intestinal Microflora Food and the Large Intestine The large intestine – interactions of the microflora
with the host Breakdown of complex carbohydrates by intestinal
bacteria Protein breakdown by gut microorganisms Short-chain fatty acids Lactate formation by gut microorganisms The Health Benefits of
Probiotics and Prebiotics Probiotics Prebiotics Defined health outcomes of probiotics and prebiotics Intestinal Microflora and
Metabolic Activity Dietary carbohydrates Bacterial fermentation SCFA production SCFA and electrolytes absorption Colonic metabolism Physiological consequences of SCFA absorption Probiotics and the intestinal metabolism of
carbohydrates The Role of the Immune
System Overview of the immune system Education of lymphocytes in the primary lymphoid organs The immune system functioning Endogenous regulation of the immune response Behavior of the Immune
System in Eating Disorders Relationship between nutrition and the immune system The immune system in eating disorders Conclusions Mucosal Immune System and
Malnutrition Mucosal immunity Organized mucosal lymphoid tissues Antigen uptake Tolerance to food Effect of nutritional factors on the microenvironment
of mucosal immune system Nutrition and immunity Probiotics in malnutrition Protein malnutrition and immune response Effects of probiotic addition to a renutrition diet Immune Activation Versus
Hyporesponsiveness and Tolerance in the Gut Food Hypersensitivity and
Allergic Diseases Immunological mechanisms Food allergens Clinical manifestations Identification of high risk infants for prevention Preventive measures Management of food allergy Nutritional and Microbial
Modulation of Carcinogenesis Bacteria and cancer overview Bacterial metabolites Reduced exposure to toxic compounds Formation of toxic and protective agents during
fermentation Probiotics, prebiotics and cancer The Role of Nutrition in
Immunity of the Aged Aging and immune function Nutritional regulation of immune function of the aged |
|
Strengths |
The topic of this book is relatively unique. There
are very few scientific books regarding the interaction of the gut
flora, nutrition and immunity. This book would be a good reference for
health professional wanting to learn more about this exciting area. The fifth chapter, The
Role of The Immune System, provides an excellent review of the
immune system. It would be suitable for someone with an understanding of
immunology that would like to update their knowledge. |
|
Weakness |
Unfortunately, some relevant research findings were
not thoroughly reviewed. The “Food Hypersensitivity and Allergic
Diseases” chapter presents basic information regarding allergy
prevention. However, the studies published in the last few years
indicating potential of probiotics in allergy prevention were not
reviewed. This research was briefly mentioned in other chapters, but a
full review would have been very appropriate in this chapter. Similarly,
the “Role of Nutrition in Immunity of the Aged” did not review the
literature regarding the benefit of pro/prebiotics in the elderly. The
reader would need to read additional review articles on these two
topics. |
|
Number of Pages/Size |
276 pages; 7 x 10 inch hard cover |
|
Publisher |
Blackwell Publishing |
|
ISBN |
1-4051-0000-1 |
|
Price |
$135 USD |
|
Where to purchase |
Most online bookstores |