Human Nutrition: A Health Perspective Second Edition presents a comprehensive introduction to the basic principles of nutrition together with their application through the life cycle & in a variety of life situations. Topics covered are relevant to students in a variety of courses that include nutrition. The book is also ideal for health-related courses that address how nutrition is related to the development of diseases that afflict Western populations & what can be done to minimize the risks of developing such diseases. To facilitate learning the book involves readers in thinking about their own nutrition for the protection & promotion of health. Topics include food allergy fluid intakes sports nutrition functional foods & nutrients sold as supplements. The text is interspersed with study questions & diagrams to engage & maintain readers attention. Scientific explanations are provided in an accessible manner to help in understanding & to clarify principles. The flow of the information builds from methods of studying nutrition & essential principles about the structure of diet through an exploration of the functions of all the nutrients. The basic knowledge is applicable to a study of the major life stages & the challenges that might threaten nutritional status. The book highlights issues related to major diseases in the West such as coronary heart disease & cancer. It also considers the concept of optimizing nutrition & discusses nutrition policy & related health promotion issues.