4th edn. Nordic Council of Ministers. Nordic Council; 2004. 436 pp.
ISBN 9289310626. DKK 125
Scandinavia has been a pacesetter in Nutrition Policy since the 1970s, when the world’s first dietary guidelines were produced in Sweden and a national nutrition policy was developed in Norway. Scandinavia also has a long tradition in nutrition science, enriching its universities, governments and industries with expertise that has been innovative and credible. The “Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR) 2004: integrating nutrition and physical activity”, the fourth edition of a series first published in 1980, follow in this tradition. What makes this edition special is the integration of food-based dietary guidelines, recommendations on energy balance (and physical activity) and specific nutrient recommendations, both macronutrient (including the various forms of carbohydrate and fat, and alcohol) and micronutrient.
Although concise, it is comprehensive and relevant. A good example of this is the section on vitamin K, which deals with the various forms, sources, functions and toxicology of vitamin K, with timely advice in relation to fermented foods and for bone health.
While such books are usually regarded as “reference”, this one is an interesting read, from cover to cover.