Nutrition is pivotal to every aspect of human health and the study of nutrition extends to consider the effect of food on human function. In physical and mental development and from conception to old age, good nutrition ensures optimum human performance and well being in all areas of life. The consequences of poor nutrition are clearly seen in the development of major diseases, malnutrition and the most common causes of premature death. Essentials of Human Nutrition is an established and accessible textbook for students embarking on courses in human nutrition. It has proven to be an invaluable resource for those requiring current, authoritative information on the role of nutrition in monitoring human health, in the causes and treatments of human illnesses and chronic disease prevention. Essentials of Human Nutrition can be enjoyed as a cover-to-cover read, but the engaging structure over several parts also provides different entry points to the text, addressing particular topics for the reader. Coverage extends from energy and nutrient groups to consider the role of food in health and disease, providing clinical and public health perspectives across the life span. This new edition has been thoroughly revised and updated and has been enhanced by a new design. Essentials of Human Nutrition is an ideal purchase for any student of nutrition and dietetics. Students of courses with a nutrition component, medical students, doctors and other health professionals will also find it to be a central resource.