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Review of Nutrition and Immunity in Man

Federal Research Centre for Nutrition, Institute of Nutritional Physiology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany, E-mail: bernhard.watzl{at}bfe.uni-karlsruhe.de

Dear Sir:

I read with interest the book review by Solomons (1) of the recent issue of the ILSI Europe Concise Monograph Series, Nutrition and Immunity in Man, for which I am the scientific editor. Although Solomons states that the recommendations and conclusions of the monograph are prudent and balanced, he makes several points that indicate his critical judgement of this monograph. For example, Solomons describes the treatment of the theme as "superficial," notes the absence of discussion of topics such as breast-feeding, and states that the chapter on cancer and immunity does "not do justice to knowledge in that field."

These criticisms by Solomons are in my opinion based on a misunderstanding of the objectives of this type of concise monograph and of the target audience for which the ILSI Europe Concise Monograph Series is written in general. On the inside cover of the monograph is stated,

This booklet is one in a series of ILSI Europe concise monographs. These are written for those with a general background in life sciences. However, the style and content of the concise monographs will also appeal to a wider audience who seek up-to-date and authoritative reviews on a variety of important topics relating to nutrition, health and food safety.

Concise monographs present an overview of a particular scientific topic. The text of each concise monograph is peer reviewed by academic scientists of high standing. The concise monographs make important results and conclusions widely available.

In addition, I disagree with Solomon's statement that the chapter on cancer and immunity does not do justice to knowledge in that field. The latest textbook in this field, Nutrition and Immunology: Principles and Practice (2), with an epilogue by Solomons, includes a chapter on cancer and nutrition (375–388). The summary of these 14 pages concludes, "Definite proof that diet- and/or lifestyle-related factors influence cancer development through specific effects on the immune system does not yet exist." These conclusions are in line with what was written in the concise monograph. It would be helpful for your reviewers and readers to know that concise monographs are not intended as textbooks but as up-to-date and authorative reviews written for a wide audience with different backgrounds in the life sciences.

REFERENCES

1. Solomons NW. Nutrition and immunity in man, by Lillian Langseth. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;72:857 (book review).[Free Full Text]
2. Gershwin ME, German JB, Keen CL, eds. Nutrition and immunology: principles and practice. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press, 1999.

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