The Nutrition and Health series of books have, as an overriding mission, to provide health professionals with texts that are considered essential because each includes 1) a synthesis of the state of the science, 2) timely, in-depth reviews by the leading researchers in their respective fields, 3) extensive, up-to-date fully annotated reference lists, 4) a detailed index, 5) relevant tables and figures, 6) identification of paradigm shifts and the consequences, 7) virtually no overlap of information between chapters, but targeted, inter-chapter referrals, 8) suggestions of areas for future research, and 9) bal anced, data-driven answers to patient questions which are based upon the totality of evidence rather than the findings of any single study. The series volumes are not the outcome of a symposium. Rather, each editor has the potential to examine a chosen area with a broad perspective, both in subject matter as well as in the choice of chapter authors. The international perspective, especially with regard to public health initiatives, is emphasized where appropriate. The editors, whose trainings are both research and practice oriented, have the opportunity to develop a primary objec tive for their book; define the scope and focus, and then invite the leading authorities from around the world to be part of their initiative. The authors are encouraged to provide an overview of the field, discuss their own research and relate the research findings to potential human health consequences.

Zusammenfassung
This text focuses on the clinically important trace elements and minerals. These nutrients have a major impact on health and disease. The book reviews conditions (such as pregnancy) and major diseases that are influenced by trace element and mineral nutrition.

Inhalt
I Basic Concepts, Consumption, Deficiency, and Toxicity.- 1 The Essential Trace Elements and Minerals: Basic Concepts.- 2 Possibly Essential Trace Elements.- 3 Consumption of Trace Elements and Minerals by Preagricultural Humans.- 4 Current Dietary Intakes of Trace Elements and Minerals.- 5 Laboratory Assessment of Trace Element and Mineral Status.- 6 The Epidemiology of Trace Element Deficiencies.- 7 Trace Element and Supplement Safety.- II Trace Element and mineral Nutrition in Healthy People.- 8 Trace Element and Mineral Nutrition in Human Pregnancy.- 9 Trace Element and Mineral Nutrition During Lactation.- 10 Trace Element and Mineral Nutrition in Adolescents.- 11 Trace Element Requirements in the Elderly.- III Trace Element and Mineral Nutrition in Disease.- 12 Genetic Disorders of Trace Element Metabolism.- 13 Trace Element and Mineral Nutrition in Endocrine Diseases.- 14 Trace Element and Mineral Nutrition in Skeletal Health and Disease.- 15 Trace Element and Mineral Nutrition in Ischemic Heart Disease.- 16 Trace Element and Mineral Nutrition in Renal Disease.- 17 Trace Element and Mineral Nutrition in Gastrointestinal Disease.- 18 Immune Dysfunction in Iron, Copper, and Zinc Deficiencies.- 19 Trace Element and Mineral Nutrition in HIV Infection and AIDS: Implications for Host Defense.- 20 Trace Element and Mineral Nutrition in Hospital, Surgical, and Cancer Patients: Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition.- 21 Trace Element and Mineral Nutrition in Diseases of the Eye.- Appendix: Journals and Current Books.