Microbial agents (particularly bacteria) represent the greatest risk to public health. The traditional end-product oriented food inspection systems are inadequate for identifying and eliminating the usually symptomless animal carriers of agents causing foodborne infections and intoxications. Modern, risk-based, prevention approaches are the only effective way to reduce the prevalence of these hazards from our foods. As an additional 'safety-valve' microbial decontamination procedures are currently being suggested and its implementation in industrial food processing has, at least in some parts of the world, met with governmental approval. The residues in foods of some non-microbial agents have more recently also caused substantial consumer disquiet. This equally applies to non-conventional foods containing GMO's. In this publication these issues are addressed by invited expert scientists from various disciplines, many of which have key-positions in EU-funded research programmes on these very topics and/or are advisers to international public health bodies. The editors firmly believe that the very nature of the theme, the excellence of the papers and the holistic approach chosen will draw an audience from both an industry and academic background.

The mammalian gastrointestinal mucosa is a rapidly self-renewing tissue in the body, and its homeostasis is preserved through the strict regulation of epithelial cell proliferation, growth arrest, and apoptosis. The control of the growth of gastrointestinal mucosa is unique and, compared with most other tissue in the body, complex. Mucosal growth is regulated by the same hormones that alter metabolism in other tissues, but the gastrointestinal mucosa also responds to host events triggered by the ingestion and presence of food within the digestive tract. These gut hormones and peptides regulate the growth of the exocrine pancreas, gallbladder epithelium, and the mucosa of the oxyntic gland region of the stomach and the small and large intestines. Luminal factors, including nutrients or other dietary factors, secretions, and microbes that occur within the lumen and distribute over a proximal-to-distal gradient, are also crucial for maintenance of normal gut mucosal regeneration and could explain the villous-height-crypt-depth gradient and variety of adaptation, since these factors are diluted, absorbed, and destroyed as they pass down the digestive tract. Recently, intestinal stem cells, cellular polyamines, and noncoding RNAs are shown to play an important role in the regulation of gastrointestinal mucosal growth under physiological and various pathological conditions. In this book, we highlight key issues and factors that control gastrointestinal mucosal growth and homeostasis, with special emphasis on the mechanisms through which epithelial renewal and apoptosis are regulated at the cellular and molecular levels.

Nutrition has been identified as one of the most neglected, but important aspects of gastroenterology. Clinical Nutrition in Gastrointestinal Disease covers all of the vital aspects of nutrition and serves as the definitive resource on this topic. Dr. Alan Buchman has teamed up with more than 70 world renowned leaders in the field to provide today’s professional specializing in gastrointestinal disease with a practical guide that examines and explains the necessary elements and principles of nutrition. With more than 100 images and 180 tables, Clinical Nutrition in Gastrointestinal Disease contains essential information to optimally and successfully manage pediatric and adult patients. Some Topics Covered Include: Nutritional assessment Nutrition in critical care Nutritional support Management of intestinal failure Obesity Pediatrics Probiotics Nutrient absorption Metabolism Home care Some Gastrointestinal Diseases Covered Include: Inflammatory bowel disease Irritable bowel syndrome Colon cancer Pancreatititis Heptatic failure Celiac sprue Clinical Nutrition in Gastrointestinal Disease delivers the latest information in a comprehensive and well-organized format that is perfect for gastroenterologists, general surgeons, and general internists looking to increase their knowledge of clinical nutrition. The extensive use of images, graphs, and tables compliments the text and makes this one of the most authoritative and thorough books on gastrointestinal disease currently on the market.

You can not live without proper nutrition, and the digestive system aids in getting that nutrition into your body. Learn about healthy eating and the process of digestion with this great book.

Manipulation of the microbial gut content of farmed fishes and crustaceans can have a marked effect on their general health, growth, and quality. Expertly covering the science behind the use of prebiotics and probiotics this landmark book explains how the correct manipulation of the gut flora of farmed fishes and crustaceans can have a positive effect on their health, growth rates, feed utilization, and general wellbeing. Aquaculture Nutrition: Gut Health, Probiotics and Prebiotics provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of the gut microbiomes of fish and their importance with respect to host-fish health and performance, providing in-depth, cutting-edge fundamental and applied information. Written by many of the world’s leading authorities and edited by Dr Daniel Merrifield and Professor Einar Ringø, this important book discusses in detail the common mechanisms for modulating microbiomes, particularly at the gut level (e.g. probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics). The book is a key resource for an understanding of the historical development of these products, their known mechanisms of action and their degree of efficacy as presently demonstrated in the literature. The fundamental material provided on the gut microbiota itself, and more broad aspects of microbe-live feed interactions, provide essential reading for researchers, academics and students in the areas of aquaculture nutrition, fish veterinary science, microbiology, aquaculture, fish biology and fisheries. Those involved in the development and formulation of aquaculture feeds and those with broader roles within the aquaculture industry will find a huge wealth of commercially-important information within the book’s covers. All libraries in universities and research establishments where biological sciences, nutrition and aquaculture are studied and taught, should have copies of this excellent book on their shelves.

Bioactive Food as Dietary Interventions for Liver and Gastrointestinal Disease provides valuable insights for those seeking nutritional treatment options for those suffering from liver and/or related gastrointestinal disease including Crohn’s, allergies, and colitis among others. Information is presented on a variety of foods including herbs, fruits, soy and olive oil. This book serves as a valuable resource for researchers in nutrition, nephrology, and gastroenterology. Addresses the most positive results from dietary interventions using bioactive foods to impact diseases of the liver and gastrointestinal system, including reduction of inflammation, improved function, and nutritional efficiency Presents a wide range of liver and gastrointestinal diseases and provides important information for additional research Associated information can be used to understand other diseases, which share common etiological pathways

This book serves as a definitive nutritional reference for medical practitioners who care for patients with digestive diseases. This first-of-its-kind title explores the critical link between nutrition and weight and digestive health and organizes the necessary information for easy use for clinicians across specialties. The book is divided into four sections; the first section outlines basic nutritional concepts that lay a foundation for future chapters. This includes discussion of the gastrointestinal tract’s role in digestion and metabolism, an outline of dietary composition and associated deficiencies, and a review of nutritional assessment and general therapeutic principles. Next, the second section outlines dietary and nutritional implications of specific digestive diseases organized by affected gastrointestinal organs. Following this, the third section discusses appetite regulation, weight management, and obesity’s association with gastrointestinal diseases. It also discusses the importance of comprehensive, multi-disciplinary obesity care including a review of dietary, pharmacological, endoscopic, and surgical options that promote weight loss. In concluding the book, the fourth section discusses foundational nutritional support concepts. Nutrition, Weight, and Digestive Health is an invaluable reference for medical practitioners seeking a title that explores important and revolutionary elements to the medical care of those with digestive diseases.