The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements

The cover of this second edition says it is the essential guide. And so it is. Many of us do not eat enough healthy foods. As a result of changing farming practices, including the trend towards more and more genetic modification of plants, health promoting nutrients may be lacking from the food we eat. Consequently, it has become necessary to add supplements of essential vitamins and minerals to the diet. Dr Brewer's guide is in two parts, one describing the supplements that are available, the other offering treatments and advice for common health problems. She gives descriptions, benefits and recommended dosages based on extensive research and where applicable also offers life style suggestions. The supplements she describes are available from some pharmacies without prescription, health food shops, many supermarkets, and mail order companies. However, the guide tells you when to be cautious about using supplements and when to take medical advice. The vitamins and minerals described are intended to promote and maintain good health and are supplements to pharmaceutical medicines. One reason that the book is essential is that it fills a gap caused by legislation that prevents full information being given on the packaging of many supplements. This enhances its value as a source of guidance for anyone who is concerned to obtain the best effects from their daily diet.

I've bought two copies: one for me, and recently, for a relative. It provides an excellent overview, with lots of references to related studies, and good, clear explanations as to what benefits the supplements can potentially provide, as well as suggested amounts to take for certain conditions (although consulting a qualified nutritionist is highly recommended). My one criticism was what I noted when I was buying the first copy in a bookstore: the information provided on fluoride. It confuses naturally occurring fluoride and the 'version' that is added to some public water supplies, which recent research and documentaries have shown to have no beneficial effects on dental health and, indeed, to be highly questionable. That alone almost put me off buying the book. However, I'm pleased to say, the rest of the content did not disappoint, and it has proved to be an invaluable reference guide which I consult regularly both for myself and my family.

bought earlier copy of this years ago, pleased to buy replacement latest edition, have found this a helpful book over many years

This well-balanced guide to vitamins and supplements is comprehensive, informative and evidence-based. I liked the fact that it is written by a GP who has researched the subject, rather than another so-called (i.e. unqualified) 'nutritionist'. It is well presented with an alphabetical guide to specific vitamins and food supplements and the benefits they can provide in the first section. The second section contains an alphabetical glossary of medical conditions with information about supplements, foods and vitamins that can help particular symptoms and conditions. This is a useful no-nonsense reference for anyone who is thinking about taking vitamins and supplements and feels confused by all the different ones on the pharmacy/health food store shelves.

a great book it covers so much more than I expected, it has them all with just the right amount of info intreasting and easily explained. I always have it to hand as im trying to cure or at least improve my health as I have had it with doctors I have fibromyalgia with all the things that go with it ibs,cfs, extreme all over pain etc.(it only took them 20yrs to diagnose) I certainly feel better than I have in years with the supplements ive been taking. thanks to the books guidance. now I just have to get of all the medication im addicted to.

I really like this book. The author gives so much information which is really well organised. I've had the book for a while and I refer to it often and would not be without it now. It's a reference book I use to find essential information and sometimes just to remind myself of things. I've bought it at times for family and a friend who I think would appreciate it. Would certainly recommend it.

A must for anyone, who takes or is thinking of taking supplements. Tells you what each supplement can be used for, unlike many lables which give a description of product and doseage, but not always what the condition they are intended to help. Also, it list aphabetically, illness/conditions, and which supplement would be the most suitable. A very informative read, that tells it as it is.

This is helpful, but I wouldn't take it on its own. It's a bit too "conventional medicine" for me and doesn't go in depth enough. Nevertheless, it is a good starting point and worth having, if only to point you in a certain direction. I would NOT, as I said, use it on its own.

THIS IS A GRREAT BOOK!! A GREAT SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTO THE ALTERNATIVE/HOLISTIC STYLE OF LIFE. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Brilliant

As a nutritionist, I always strive to keep learning more and more and this book does full justice to what I expected from it. The book is divided in 2 halves * First half is the description of the vitamins, minerals and other supplements in detail from A-Z * Second half consists of various ailments, their causes and treatment detail as to which which supplements would work for a specific ailment like for diabetes, osteoporosis etc It's a great buy if you are interested in this field and would like to help others in overcoming their problems. It's a one stop book for all supplement related questions and now you don't need to Google everything.

excellent book to understand and explained in clear and easy language to understand