In the past 20 years micronutrients have assumed great public health importance and a considerable amount of research has lead to increasing knowledge of their physiological role. Because it is a rapidly developing field, the WHO and FAO convened an Expert Consultation to evaluate the current state of knowledge. It had three main tasks: to review the full scope of vitamin and minerals requirements; to draft and adopt a report which would provide recommended nutrient intakes for vitamins A, C, D, E, and K; the B vitamins; calcium; iron; magnesium; zinc; selenium; and iodine; to identify key issues for future research and make preliminary recommendations for the handbook. This report contains the outcome of the Consultation, combined with up-to-date evidence that has since become available.
Diabetes. Its Medical and Cultural History covers the history of scientific inquiry into this affliction from antiquity to the discovery of insulin (1921) with concurrent consideration of the history of the patient and the cultural historical background. The reprints of medical historical studies discuss general relationships as well as specific details and exceptional research achievements of the past. Included in the bibliography of primary sources are the most important historical contributions in diabetic research and diabetic therapy with the author's name and information on the place of publication. The bibliography of secondary literature consolidates international studies from the past century to the present on the history of the theory of diabetes and therapeutic approaches. Illustrations and literary texts document cultural historical relationships. In index of persons and items facilitates use of this work which is intended to provide a stimulus for the physician, medical historian, medical student, general historian as well as diabetics themselves.