Sport Nutrition: An Introduction to Energy Production and Performance

If I have to choose between this book and Manore's (2000), I don't think I can decide. Both are very good, but this one has the latest information about sports nutrition. If you're thinking about buying another book, than you really make one big mistake.

The publisher's back cover text reads: "Sport Nutrition: An Introduction to Energy Production and Performance is an introductory-level text that gives students a comprehensive understanding of the basics of nutrition as it relates to sport." That is exactly what the book is, and what it does splendidly. The book is comprehensive, and is a remarkable achievement for just two authors-generally such a book would be edited by one or two individuals and have numerous contributors. The book has many illustrations and tables which help the reader's understanding and break up the text. The book starts with the basics, the general principles of nutrition and fuel sources and goes on to discuss the physiology of digestion, the macronutrients, water, and the micronutrients. Discussions about supplements, weight management, eating disorders, and immune function round out the book. The books scientific footings and information are solid, not faddish. The book is about theory and general practice. There is little information about current proprietary products. Again, the book is a text for students of nutrition. The wider market of athletes looking to improve their sport nutrition as a way of improving their performance may have to keep looking. Although this book provides much depth missing from almost all such books directed to athletes, the practical take-home messages and key points are obscured by the details and are too difficult for most lay readers to easily grasp. Although many will probably use this book as an authoritative reference frequently in the future, unless college-educated with a science background, or extremely persistent, lay athletes may put down the book before learning anything of practical use. --30-- Reviewer's note/disclaimer: The publisher sent me a review copy. I was not paid for this review.