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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 the
series focus on the current nutraceuticals market and research, this is the
only book to critically analyze the use of nutraceuticals in pregnant women and
their infants. The book can be broken into three major categories, focusing on
the use and role of nutraceuticals before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and
after pregnancy and their effects on maternal and infant health.

**Purpose**
The purpose is to examine various nutraceuticals used for prenatal health and
the health of mothers and their children. Specifically, the book aims to report
trends and research on the use of various nutraceutical products. While
relatively vague, the objectives of the book appear worthy. According to the
authors, this book is the first of its kind and, given the populations
discussed, may have public health implications. As nutraceutical products are
relatively inexpensive and increasingly being used for health and disease
prevention, it is important to examine claims made about such products. The
book meets its objectives, presenting recent research on various nutraceuticals
and appropriate references for further investigation.

**Audience**
The book is intended as a tool for practicing health care clinicians, including
physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and dietitians. While a
basic science background may be necessary to understand the book, it may also
be of use to students pursuing advanced degrees in health care. Clinicians and
students with an interest in prenatal and neonatal care will especially find
the book interesting. The book meets the needs of the intended audience by
providing current evidence for and against various nutraceuticals as they
relate to common disease states. The book's authors and over 30 contributors
appear to be credible authorities on the topics discussed based on their
credentials and publications.

**Features**
This is an original book examining what nutraceuticals are, their use prior to
and during pregnancy, and their impact on offspring health. A foreword and
preface open the book, proceeded by a list of contributors, 19 chapters, and an
index. In addition to defining nutraceutical products, the book investigates
how the use of such products may be confounded by diet, genetics, race, age,
and many other factors. Furthermore, it discusses how the duration of exposure
to nutraceuticals must be considered as these products become more popular and
commonplace. The first section of the book examines nutraceuticals generally,
as well as their use in pregnancy. The early chapters identify other common
names for nutraceuticals and discuss how they are defined differently in
various parts of the world. Given the potential impact of these products on
metabolic syndrome and other non-communicable diseases, the book consistently
offers and encourages further research on the effects of nutraceuticals. With
regard to pre-pregnancy use of these products, the authors specifically mention
the use and benefits of probiotics, long-chain fatty acids, folic acid,
calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, and ginger for both mother and
fetus. Once again, the book provides appropriate references and encourages
further research and regulation of nutraceuticals. The next section discusses
the use of nutraceuticals during pregnancy. In addition to thoroughly examining
the impact of excessive and inadequate gestational weight gain during
pregnancy, the chapters also provide information on the use of nutraceuticals
on specific diseases including anemia, infection, hormone balance, preeclampsia
and eclampsia, and gestational diabetes. In its final section, the book
examines nutraceuticals used for offspring health, with a major focus on
products for bone and dental health. Here, the book discusses functional foods
and supplements that may impact osteoporosis and fractures in mothers, as well
as fetal bone development. A unique feature of this book is the contents
section at the beginning of each chapter that gives an overview of the topics
to be discussed. This feature allows readers to find information of interest
quickly. Additionally, the figures and tables throughout the book are useful
and informative.

**Assessment**
This book is unique from any other that I have read. It does not simply describe
the impact of various nutrients on maternal and infant health, but rather
examines the impact of nutraceuticals, functional foods, and supplements on
health. While I consistently read articles to keep current on pediatric
nutrition, it can be difficult to compile information on nutraceuticals as they
relate to specific maternal and infant disease states given the sparsity and
need for further research studies. A book with relevant resources in one volume
is therefore useful. As a dietitian working in the clinical realm, I make diet
recommendations and evaluate those recommendations using intake data,
anthropometrics, and labs. This book provides information that can be used to
provide women and their children with diet recommendations.

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Weighted Numerical Score: 96 - 4 Stars!

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