Journals Received

Abstract

The second edition of this book provides updated information that specificallyfocuses on drug-induced nutritional deficiencies. It is comprehensive, well organized, and well referenced; and as such, it is a useful reference for the educator, practitioner, and researcher in the field of clinical nutrition. The book is organized into 15 chapters that I will discuss as three distinct sections: (I) fundamental principles, (2) diagnosis of druginduced nutritional deficiencies, and (3) specific drug-nutrient interactions. In the discussion of fundamental principles, an overview of nutrient metabolism is provided and follows the outline of food source, absorption, transport, distribution, and interaction with drugs for each nutrient. Also discussed in this section are variables, such as genetic makeup, age, physiologicstate, and clinicalcondition, that affect nutritional requirements; classification of drug-nutrient interactions; and variables that determine the risk and incidence of such interactions. The chapter on diagnosing drug-induced nutrient deficienciesprovides particularly useful information on the performance of drug and dietary histories, and physical as well as laboratory evaluation of nutrient (especially vitamin) deficiencies. The third section of the book deals specifically with drug-nutrient interactions that lead to nutrient deficiencies. This section consists of two parts: one deals with druginduced nutrient malabsorption, altered distribution (tissue content), and excretion; and the second part discusses specific drug classes and diseases that induce nutrient deficiencies. Drug classes included in this section are anti vitamins, alcohol and alcoholism, fetal malnutrition, anticonvulsants, oral contraceptives, antitubercular agents, anti parkinsonian drugs, and cancer chemotherapeutics. Of particular use are the nutrient supplement recommendations for both children and adults receiving specific drugs. The drug-nutrient interactions discussed in this text emphasize those that cause nutrient deficiencies. This text does not delve into specifics of either nutritional effects on drug disposition or drug-induced disease, i.e. renal or hepatic failure, that affect the tolerance to and utilization of nutrients provided in the diet. Most of the text's examples and discussionsconcern vitamin and mineral deficiencies. This emphasis does not indicate a problem of focus within the text. Rather, it denotes that these drug-induced nutritional deficiencies have been more extensively investigated than others. Overall, this is a good reference text that should be included as a supplementary reference in the library of nutrition support services and/or dietary departments. It will also prove useful to most drug information libraries. JAY M. MIRTALLO, M.S. Clinical Pharmacist Department of Pharmacy Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio 43210 BOOKS RECEIVED