Booklet

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS sections based on audience input at the conference. Topics covered include current nutrition and vitamin supplementation controversies; fad diets and weight control; concerns of athletes; pregnancy; iron; the American food supply; drug-nutrient interactions; diet and cancer; osteoporosis; and the problems of bulimia, anorexia, and problem drinking. Three recent N.I.H. Consensus Development Conference Statements are included in the appendices-"Osteoporosis" (vol. 5, no. 3), "Lowering Blood Cholesterol to Prevent Heart Disease" (vol. 5, No.7), and "Health Implications of Obesity" (vol. 5, no. 9). The coverage of osteoporosis is outstanding. Possible remedies are discussed and there is a clear explanation of the intricate working of bone metabolism. My only criticism is that the proceedings should have included two additional topics-dietary fiber and sugar and substitute sweeteners. The probable role of dietary fiber in disease prevention is mentioned only briefly in the nutrition and cancer article, and it deserves fuller coverage. Given the national focus on weight control, the predominance of sweeteners in our food supply, and the fact that dental students are one intended audience for this material, one additional article on sugar and substitute sweeteners could have rounded out this collection. Overall, however, most of the articles are excellent-the contributing authors are knowledgeable about the research in their area and express themselves concisely; this book is well written, concise, and suitable for the intended audience. Lela S. Silverstein, M.S., Nutritionist, South End Community Health Center, 400 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA 02118. MONOGRAPH Principles for the Safety Assessment of Food Additives and Contaminants in Food, Environmental Health Criteria no. 70, World Health Organization, 1987. From WHO Publications Centre USA, 49 Sheridan Ave., Albany, NY 12210, 174 pp., softcover, $8.40. Assessment of the safety of additives and contaminants of food is a complex process involving identification of materials, estimations of exposures, and determination of appropriate tests for safety, The purpose of this monograph is to present the rationale used by the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health 156

JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION

Organization. The manuscript does not attempt to detail specific test procedures. Rather, it focuses on issues involved when considering test results for determining safety. Appendices provide a glossary of terms used in additive safety evaluation, a discussion of relevant statistics, examples of the use of metabolic studies, and approximate relation of parts per million to mg/kg body weight of various species. Presentation of the material is aimed at scientists and would not be appropriate for a lay audience. The manuscript would be appropriate, however, as supplemental reading for advanced classes in food additives/food safety. Pamela L. Brady, Ph.D., Extension Foods Specialist, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Little Rock, AR 72203. . - - - - CLASSROOM - - - - ,

BOOKLET The Big Bug Book of Exercise, Duyff, R., 1987. From Milliken Publishing Co., llOO Research Blvd., Box 21579, St. Louis, MO 63122-0579, 22 pp., softcover, $4.95.

This is a nice booklet for encouraging exercise and outdoor activity among preschoolers. The booklet teaches that fitness is fun, and encourages the development of social skills among young children. Illustrations are colorful and amusing. My co-reviewer (age 41/2) likes the Big Bugs because "they look friendly and nice." The text is written in rhyme, so young readers can quickly learn the words and "read" the book on their own. It's never too early to begin encouraging physical activity; this appealing book makes it fun for children and teachers alike. Stefani Striegel, Editorial Assistant, Journal of Nutrition Education, 1700 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612; and Anya Pearson, student, YWCA Preschool, 1515 Webster St., Oakland, CA 94612.

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DIARY D.I.E.T. during Pregnancy: The Complete guide and calendar, 2d., Erick, M., 1987. From Grinnen-Barrett Publishing Co., Box 779, Brookline, MA 02146-9998, 240 pp., softcover, $ll.95 plus $1.50 shipping. A better title for this book might be "Your Personal Pregnancy and ChildRearing Diary." The book is written primarily for primiparous women who have little nutrition and health knowledge. It includes two undated calendar portions-the first covers the pregnancy (weeks 1-42), and the second is for baby's first year of life (weeks 1-52). These are interspersed with the health and nutrition information and recipes. For the most part, the dietary advice is practical and sound. In fact, the only potentially misleading dietary advice is "Do not use skim or lowfat milk before (your child) is 1 year old." Readers may interpret this to mean that skim milk is OK after age 1, although most nutritionists and pediatricians feel that this is still too young. Some clever aspects of this book are the calendar, the author's use of literary quotes, and the sound, healthy recipes (low in fat, high in calcium, and proteinrich). This resource proVides a practical way for women to keep track of the emotional and physical changes that occur during and after pregnancy. However, I am concerned about the minimal coverage of alcohol and recreational drugs. For example, in the discussions of smoking and medication use the author makes no mention of recreational drugs. Instead, marijuana is briefly mentioned in connection with fertility problems, and the only reference to cocaine is as a possible constituent of some herbal teas. I think this brief coverage may lead readers to underestimate the potential harmful effects that these drugs may have on pregnancy outcome. In my opinion, there is sufficient medical consensus to support recommendations for 100% abstinence from alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because safe levels have not been determined. I would have liked to see stronger statements from the author to support this view. Overall, I recommend this diary as an introduction to nutrition for disciplined individuals who will diligently fill in the calendars, try the recipes, and truly make this a sentimental souvenir. VOLUME 20 NUMBER 3 1988