Advances in Isotope Methods for the Analysis of Trace Elements in Man,

edited by Nicola Lowe and Malcolm Jackson, 2000, 248 pages, hardcover, $99.95. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.

Department of Nutritional Sciences University of Wisconsin-Madison 1415 Linden Drive Madison, WI 53706-1571 E-mail: dschoell{at}nutrisci.wisc.edu

Advances in Isotope Methods for the Analysis of Trace Elements in Man is part of the CRC Series in Modern Nutrition, which aims to explore present knowledge in nutrition for the scholarly nutrition audience. The book includes 13 chapters prepared by 24 authors selected from experts in trace element metabolism, with a strong emphasis on stable isotopes. The text was prepared with several aims in mind. The primary aim was to convey to the broader nutrition audience the potential of using stable-isotope approaches to answer many lingering questions about trace element metabolism and assessment in human nutrition so as to expand the appreciation of the field and convince others to pursue comparable research. Additional aims included reviewing stable-isotope methodology and current knowledge of trace element metabolism.

The book accomplishes its primary goal well. A wide range of applications and potential applications are presented. The basic principles of stable-isotope-tracer studies are also presented along with modest detail regarding the type of data provided by tracer studies and limitations of the approach. Because of their broad base of experience, the authors provide the reader with a full range of applications and innovations.

The book is less successful in meeting its second aim. The chapters vary widely in quality. Few chapters are written for the novice, and thus a reader with no experience in trace element isotope research may find the principles difficult to grasp. At the same time, few chapters provide sufficient detail or insight to provide the expert in the field of a particular trace element with new knowledge about current research as it relates to other trace elements. Particular concerns for the novice reader are the limited details regarding the basic instrumentation used for analysis of trace element stable isotopes and the basic models of trace element metabolism. The book, however, contains an excellent chapter on the mathematical treatment of tracer-tracee data, although most readers will find that several readings of the detailed material are helpful. In addition, the chapters on iron metabolism and international research include many practical ideas regarding dosing, cost, and methodologic approaches that are applicable to almost any trace element.

The book should be of greatest value to readers with some prior experience in stable isotopes or trace element metabolism who are interested in expanding their knowledge and research. Although several chapters are excellent, the uneven nature of the chapters with regard to expectations of the reader's knowledge base and the frequent absence of detail reduce the general readability of this book. The book, however, does address an area that has not been the topic of recent books.