As in previous volumes in this series, subjects that may be of interest to nutritionists, usually expanding the underlying science of nutrition or its extension into application in the health arena, are covered by chapters that are listed under “Related Articles” on page x. This is not intended to be a complete list, but it represents the diversity of disciplines which accrete information that contributes to nutrition, just as the latter expands and integrates such knowledge as enhances our well-being.

The prefatory chapter of the current volume of Annual Review of Nutrition (ARN) brings us up-to-date on what we do and do not know about body composition of infants. In this one of several lifetime interests of Dr. Fomon, he and his colleagues summarize the rather scant information on which early-life composition data is based. The situation with respect to our bodies is not so simple as expressed by Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, who claimed that “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.” At the later stages of life, there are physiologic changes that reflect the aging process. Horwitz et al. document some insights from animal studies. The onset of nutritional frailty in the elderly is discussed by Bales & Ritchie.

In specific categories of nutrients, the reader can be enlightened on the nutritional and pathologic relevance of fatty acid transport across membranes as considered by Hajri & Abumrad, and be updated on health aspects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid discussed by Belury. Picard & Auwerx describe PPARγ and glucose homeostasis. The dietary regulation of enzymic systems that involve synthesis of nitric oxide is summarized by Wu & Meinenger, and control on steps in the urea cycle is covered by Morris, Jr. Several chapters bring us up-to-date with regard to micronutrients: the role of vitamin A in reproduction and development (Clagett-Dame & DeLuca), carotenoid bioavailability and conversion (Yeum & Russell), details on hydroxylases in the vitamin D pathway (Omdahl et al.), in vivo kinetics of folate (Gregory & Quinlivan), and recent work of a molecular biologic nature on biotin (McMahon). The metabolism and function of copper-binding ceruloplasmin is summarized by Hellman & Gillin. Dietary flavonoids are considered by Ross & Kasum.

In the comic strip character Ziggy (by Tom Wilson), we are reminded that “The waist is a terrible thing to mind.” Yet some may learn from the studies of genetically lean mice reported by Reitman in this volume. The relationship of muscle triglyceride and insulin resistance is reviewed by Kelley et al. Newer findings with phytosterols are noted by Ostlund. The ways in which microbes alter the nutrient environment of the mammalian intestine is described by Gordon and his associates. Deleterious effects of helminths on the intestinal tract are documented by Crompton & Nesheim, whereas pre- and probiotics are discussed as protective gastrointestinal organisms by Teitelbaum & Walker. Though many in the U.S. should heed the words of Ben Franklin, among whose dictums was “To lengthen thy life, lessen thy meals,” the greater number of people in our world suffer from malnutrition, most commonly as a result of poverty. This is brought forth in the chapter by Peña & Bacallao. Indeed the global problem is to even meet the requirement set by Moliere as concerns food, namely “One must eat to live, not live to eat.” Finally, a “special topics” chapter on genetic effects of methylation diets is provided by Van den Veyver.

Our chapter contributors deserve such credit as concerns the content of subjects covered. They are largely suggested by our Editorial Committee but occasionally by past authors and even “volunteers.” Authors usually suffer only minor indignities from editorial review and we thank them for their forbearance. For help with manuscripts, I thank my Associate Editors, Denny Bier and Bob Cousins. As always we are indebted to Lisa Dean (production editor) and Sam Gubins (president of Annual Reviews).

The current editor would note with sadness that the founding editor of the ARN, Dr. William J. Darby, passed away recently. Bill Darby was not only one of my mentors while I was a student in the Department of Biochemistry at Vanderbilt University, but he had ongoing interest in the evolving ARN mission to communicate advances in our profession. He will be missed.

Donald B. McCormick, Editor