The Importance of Nutrition as an Integral Part of Disease Management

Book excerpt: Although of vital importance, nutrition is still a neglected issue in medical curricula - a fact that this book is aiming to remedy by addressing topics ranging from basic physiology to the implementation of nutritional practices in the hospital as well as in the home setting. Papers discuss the morbidity and mortality caused by malnutrition, the nutritional requirements as well as beneficial effects on the gut of enteral nutrition, the noncaloric benefits of fibers or nutritional support during cancer treatment. Also considered are nutritional therapy for critically ill patients, perioperative nutritional intervention, management of the metabolic syndrome, the biological value of protein, the benefits and hazards of parenteral nutrition in patients with intestinal failure, and the role of nutrition in frailty of aged people.