Biochemistry and Physiology of Nutrition

Biochemistry and Physiology of Nutrition, Volume II focuses on the processes, methods, and studies on nutrition. The book starts by discussing intracellular localization through histochemical methods of enzymes and vitamins; the structural changes in vitamin deficiency; and microbiology of digestion. Deficiencies in vitamins, A, C, D, E, B1, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, choline, biotin, and folic acid are noted. The book then focuses on microbiology of digestion, considering the establishment of microbial population in the alimentary tract, results of microbial digestion, antibiotics, and intestinal flora of man. The text also defines the nutrition system of worms, insects, and protozoa. The generation of ATP in terminal respiration and anaerobic glycolysis, as well as ATP’s role in energy transfer, is noted. The discussions also focus on hydrolytic and phosphorylitic enzymes, such as carbohydrates, esterases, amidases, phosphatases, and phosporylases. Other topics covered are respiratory enzymes and coenzymes in which nucleotides, glucose diphosphate, diphosphoglyceric acid, and thiamine pyrophosphate are noted. The book notes the functions of iron compounds in the body, particularly in blood and tissues, and then touches on calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Given considerations are calcium and phosphorus in blood, skeletal calcium and phosphorus, and the factors affecting adsorption. A discussion also focuses on trace elements and the effects of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins in nutrition. The book is a vital source of data for readers interested in studying the elements, factors, processes, and methods involved in nutrition.