Principles of Nutritional Assessment, 2nd Edition

Principles of Nutritional Assessment, 2nd Edition Author: Rosalind S. Gibson, PhD Bibliographic Data: (ISBN: 0-19-517169-1, Oxford University Press, Inc, 2005, $95.00) 908 pages, hard cover. Subjects: Nutrition. DESCRIPTION: This second edition provides updated and expanded information on nutritional assessment, including an enhanced international perspective. This edition is approximately 20% longer and includes a two-column format compared to the first edition published in 1990. PURPOSE: The purpose is to provide an up-to-date, authoritative reference source and working textbook for the four major nutritional assessment methods—dietary, anthropometric, laboratory, and clinical. Nutritional assessment is a major field within the discipline of nutritional sciences and thus, this book provides important and needed information. The book clearly meets the author's objectives. AUDIENCE: The book is suitable as a reference for researchers and practitioners, such as dietitians or physicians, and as a textbook for graduate students or advanced undergraduate students. I would not consider it a suitable introductory text for undergraduates. The author is a credible authority in the field of nutritional assessment. FEATURES: After an introductory chapter that provides an overview of the process of nutritional assessment, the remaining 26 chapters cover the four major aspects of nutritional assessment as follows: dietary assessment, 7 chapters; anthropometric assessment, 6 chapters; laboratory assessment organized according to specific nutrients, 11 chapters; and clinical assessment, 2 chapters. Assessment of both groups and individuals are covered for each of the four areas. Strengths of the book's approach include a balanced international perspective, clear figures and diagrams, and an easy-to-read style. The book is very well written. One weakness is that, even though the book has a 2005 copyright date, it includes the 2000 version of the United States Dietary Guidelines instead of the 2005 version released early in 2005, page 222. This is a shortcoming for the U.S. market. ASSESSMENT: This second edition provides a needed update, given the significant increase in knowledge related to nutritional assessment as well as heightened research interest in the association between nutritional status and health. This is probably the best comprehensive reference in the field because it discusses the scientific principles of nutritional assessment as well as the application of nutritional assessment in both research and clinical practice settings. SCORE: Weighted Numerical Score: 90 Reviewed by:Denise M. Ney, PhD, RD (University of Wisconsin-Madison)FIGURE. No caption available.