Carbohydrates In Human Nutrition

"The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Carbohydrates in Human Nutrition was held in Rome from 14 to 18 April 1997"--P. xv.

Abstract: A review of current data on the dietary roles, requirements, and recommended intakes of carbohydrates is presented for health scientists and nutrition policy planners in proceedings of a joint FAO/WHO meeting. The importance of carbohydrates as energy sources is assessed. Carbohydrates enhance the sensory qualities and acceptability of foods, and provide dietary fiber. The chemical construction and behavior of sugars, starches, and polysaccharides before, during, and after processing are described. Carbohydrate physiology in nutrition is discussed in relation to digestion, absorption, metabolism, intestinal fermentation, and interactions with other nutrients. Two areas of current concern are: the role of lactose in infant nutrition; and possible addition of carbohydrates to weaning foods as an inexpensive method of increasing energy density. Relationships between carbohydrate consumption and dental caries, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes are explored. (cj).

ILSI Human Nutrition Reviews provide an account of current thought in the field under review and point to problems and questions yet to be elucidated. They are intended to fill the gap between the textbook on the one hand and the specialist publication on the other. They are written by leading international authorities and are reviews for workers in the medical, nutritional and allied sciences rather than the expert. Dietary Starches and Sugar in Man presents the latest thinking of leading research scientists in a unique, multi-authored book. Leading European experts have collaborated to prepare a multi-disciplinary update on the subject. Each chapter was submitted to peer review by every other author, after which the commentaries were either incorporated into a revision of the original text or added at the end of the chapter. In many cases the group discussion raised new points, so that the final product truly represents a complete picture of international expertise. This book thus gives nutrition experts in the medical sciences and the food industry all current information on the latest research, and the critiques of this research, concerning these two groups of carbohydrates.

Now in its third edition, the best-selling Introduction to Human Nutrition continues to foster an integrated, broad knowledge of the discipline and presents the fundamental principles of nutrition science in an accessible way. With up-to-date coverage of a range of topics from food composition and dietary reference standards to phytochemicals and contemporary challenges of global food safety, this comprehensive text encourages students to think critically about the many factors and influences of human nutrition and health outcomes. Offers a global, multidisciplinary perspective on food and nutrition Covers nutrition and metabolism of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and vitamins and minerals Explores new developments in functional foods, supplements and food fortification, and future challenges for nutrition research and practice Explains the digestion, absorption, circulatory transport, and cellular uptake of nutrients Demonstrates the structure and characteristics of nutrients, and the relationship with disease prevention A primary text in nutritional science classes worldwide, Introduction to Human Nutrition is a vital resource for students in areas of nutrition, dietetics, and related subjects that involve principles of nutrition science.

Exploration of changing human nutrition from evolutionary and social perspectives and its influence on health and disease, past and present.

Historically, most of the research into carbohydrates as functional ingredients focused on the improvement of appearance, taste, mouth-feel, and stability. The growing interest in functional foods, however, is demanding a critical look at the beneficial nonnutritive effects of carbohydrates on human health. Furthermore, there is a need to establish definitive relations among the structure, physical property, and physiological function of these bioactive compounds. As more of the benefit and functional versatility of carbohydrates is revealed, it is clear that any future research and recommendation must be based on a solid synthesis of multidisciplinary findings including epidemiological, metabolic, and clinical nutritional data. Through clinical and epidemiological studies, Functional Food Carbohydrates addresses the specific classes of carbohydrates that seem to exert health-enhancing effects. The text begins with in-depth treatments of the chemistry, physical properties, processing technology, safety and health benefits of a variety of carbohydrates including cereal beta-glucans, microbial polysaccharides, chitosan, arabinoxylans, resistant starch, and other polysaccharides of plant origin. The authors then discuss the physiological and metabolic effects that a variety of carbohydrates have on specific chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and various gastrointestinal disorders. The final chapters discuss the regulatory and technological aspects of using carbohydrates as functional foods. Specifically, the authors consider the safety and efficacy of pre-, pro-, and synbiotics, and the potential use of carbohydrates as delivery vehicles for other bioactive compounds. With contributions from experts specializing in food chemistry and technology, as well as human nutrition and physiology, this text illuminates the link between the behavior of carbohydrate compounds and their beneficial end-result on human health.