Breast feeding has a great impact on the growth of infants both physically and psychologically. Human breast milk is beneficial to infant health because it contains the necessary macro- and micro-nutrients for tissue accretion, repair and behavioural developments. The production of milk is a complex biological process and its composition and volume is dependent upon a variety of factors such as the health and dietary status of the mother. Moreover, it is influenced by the different stages and duration of breast feeding. Environmental factors, both global and local, may also alter lactation,...

Cheeses are one of the most diverse food commodities known. They have a wide range of regional and geographical differences in manufacture, taste, texture, colour and contribution to the diet. Because cheese is an important source of macro- and micro-nutrients it can be seen as a valuable product in human nutrition. However, some consider that traditionally manufactured cheeses may not contribute to optimal health. For this reason, there is a drive to produce types with reduced or modified fat or salt contents. Another aspect that affects human health is that cheese may also harbour harmful...

The combination of growing populations moving into large cities in high risk zones increase the risk of natural disasters with a substantial public health consequence. A high population density and rapid air travel increase the spread and effects of plagues and diseases. People in countries with limited resources are more vulnerable to death and other consequences of disasters. This requires global rather than national preparedness and response strategies. Public health organisations, government and non-government organisations can take a leadership role and provide training, organisation and...

Eggs have been used as key part of the human diet for millennia. They contain a great variety of nutrients and material to sustain life and growth. The role of the egg as natural source of vitamins, proteins, fats, and other nutrients, continues to develop. Some nutrients have a controversy in benefits and risks. This controversy is the subject of several chapters in this book.Eggs have been used for decades by pharmaceutical companies as vehicles to grow viruses for vaccines. Currently, eggs are being developed to make antibodies for human use, so-called designer eggs. Eggs can also be used...

Many diseases, nutrients, and foods affect bone structure and bone function, and are critical for human health and happiness. Osteoporosis is the most common bone metabolic disorder in humans. Its incidence is related to poor nutrition, altered hormonal status, ageing, diminished physical activity, impaired health status and harmful pharmacotherapy.Vitamins, especially vitamin D, and calcium are historically recognized as important for bone health, whereas this book also shows that there is evidence for an association between vitamin D, calcium, bone mineral density and colorectal cancer. In...

Nutrients, nutraceuticals, macronutrients, and gastrointestinal microbes modified by prebiotics and probiotics play important roles in heart health and disease. Five sections in the book give an overview of the role of vitamins and minerals, nutrition and nutrition counselling, dietary supplements, herbs and foods, protein and energy, and microbes.