CRC Press Nutraceuticals for Prenatal, Maternal, and Offspring’s Nutritional Health

Although there is an increasing number of pregnant individuals taking nutraceuticals to maintain good health, many gaps exist in the knowledge base. These nutraceuticals might be involved in a wide variety of biological processes, and the biological and epidemiological findings of relevant studies should be examined and analyzed. Nutraceuticals for Prenatal, Maternal and Offspring’s Nutritional Health focuses on the role of nutraceuticals for prenatal, mothers, and offspring’s health. In recent years, new trends have been established in this area of prenatal nutrition, that is, mother and offspring health based on appropriate nutrition during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and after pregnancy. Nutraceuticals and natural products have been used by many cultures and societies around the world. This book focuses on recent trends and potential clinical evaluations of such nutraceuticals and natural products. Features: Examines the role of Nutraceuticals on the mothers and offspring’s disease and health Focuses on human population-based research Discuses role of nutraceuticals in placental development, nutraceuticals for gestational weight pain and post-partum obesity Covers nutraceuticals impacting uterine growth, gestational age, and mortality rate Explores the question whether Nutraceuticals intake in pregnant women is safe as they might be involved a wide variety of biological processes With 19 chapters written by established lead authors in this field, Nutraceuticals for Prenatal, Maternal and Offspring’s Nutritional Health addresses important findings of the latest scientific research regarding the role of nutraceuticals intake before and during pregnancy. Review Leah A Cewinske, B.S., M.S.(Rush University Medical Center) **Description** This is one of 12 books in a series on nutraceuticals. While all books in the series focus on the current nutraceuticals market and research, this is the only book to critically analyze the use of nutraceuticals in pregnant women and their infants. The book can be broken into three major categories, focusing on the use and role of nutraceuticals before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and after pregnancy and their effects on maternal and infant health. **Purpose** The purpose is to examine various nutraceuticals used for prenatal health and the health of mothers and their children. Specifically, the book aims to report trends and research on the use of various nutraceutical products. While relatively vague, the objectives of the book appear worthy. According to the authors, this book is the first of its kind and, given the populations discussed, may have public health implications. As nutraceutical products are relatively inexpensive and increasingly being used for health and disease prevention, it is important to examine claims made about such products. The book meets its objectives, presenting recent research on various nutraceuticals and appropriate references for further investigation. **Audience** The book is intended as a tool for practicing health care clinicians, including physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and dietitians. While a basic science background may be necessary to understand the book, it may also be of use to students pursuing advanced degrees in health care. Clinicians and students with an interest in prenatal and neonatal care will especially find the book interesting. The book meets the needs of the intended audience by providing current evidence for and against various nutraceuticals as they relate to common disease states. The book's authors and over 30 contributors appear to be credible authorities on the topics discussed based on their credentials and publications. **Features** This is an original book examining what nutraceuticals are, their use prior to and during pregnancy, and their impact on offspring health. A foreword and preface open the book, proceeded by a list of contributors, 19 chap