Handbook of Drug'Nutrient Interactions

Although there is agreat deal ofliterature regarding drug-nutrientinteractions (DNis ), there are limited sources of up-to-date comprehensive information. The Handbook of Drug-Nutrient Interactions admirably fills this gap. The editors, Dr. Joseph 1. Boullata and Dr. Vincent T. Armenti, ha ve a wealth of experience in this therapeutic ar ea and ha ve assembled a fine cadre of chapter authors who have individually contributed their high level of expertise. As treatment for many diseases becomes increasingly complex with multiple drug therapies scheduled at varying times, the need to identify clinically significant DNis is an essential part of medication management. This is a shared responsibility between health care professionals to interpret available data and individualize an approach to therapy that is compatible with the patient' s disease state, life stage, and dietary intake. Awareness ofthe significance of drug-food interactions is generally lacking. Although many texts contain lengthy lists of possible interactions, few data are provided for the clinician to gain an understanding of the mechanism of action of the interaction and subsequently apply the information to a particular patient or group of patients. For example, in the management of patients with HN -AIDS who are taking complex prescribed drug regimens, herbal products, and nutritional supplements, many of which are affected by dietary intake, careful attention to D Nls is a critic al component of therapy. Clinicians need to take account of not only the well-documented interactions between drugs and nutrients, but also the less obvious effects on drug-nutrient disposition and metabolism.