Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies, 15th Edition

ABOUT THE BOOK

Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies, 15th Edition by Frances Sizer and Ellie Whitney is an engaging and comprehensive textbook that explores the science of nutrition and its relationship with human health, wellness, and everyday food choices. Published by Cengage Learning, this edition combines scientific research, essential nutritional principles, and real-life applications to help readers understand how the body processes food and how nutrition influences overall well-being.

The book covers a wide range of important topics, beginning with food choices, human health, nutrition standards, and the body's nutritional requirements. It explains the functions of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, water, and minerals, while also examining energy balance, healthy body weight, and performance nutrition. Additional chapters explore nutrition and chronic diseases, food safety and technology, maternal and infant nutrition, the dietary needs of children, teenagers and older adults, and global hunger.

A distinctive feature of this textbook is its exploration of contemporary nutrition debates and controversies. It encourages readers to examine popular diet trends, evaluate nutrition claims, distinguish scientific evidence from misconceptions, and develop informed opinions about dietary guidelines and eating patterns. Practical examples, informative tables, calculations, and visual explanations help connect scientific concepts with everyday decisions about food and health.

The 15th edition also introduces updated learning features, including discussions of modern food processing, food safety challenges, nutrient intake, and the relationship between nutrition and chronic disease. Chapter-ending Self Check activities, Consumer's Guide quizzes, Think Fitness features, and critical-thinking questions encourage active learning and help students assess their understanding. The accompanying MindTap platform provides interactive readings, assessments, activities, and additional digital learning resources.

Ideal for students studying nutrition, dietetics, health sciences, and related disciplines, as well as readers interested in developing healthier eating habits, this textbook offers a balanced foundation in nutrition science. By combining research-based information with practical guidance and thought-provoking discussions, it helps readers make informed food choices and better understand the role of nutrition in lifelong health.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Frances Sizer is an accomplished nutrition educator, registered dietitian, and author with extensive experience in nutrition science and health education. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in nutrition from Florida State University and is recognized as a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is a founding member and vice president of Nutrition and Health Associates, an organization dedicated to nutrition research, education, and information resources. Her professional work includes writing textbooks, delivering academic lectures, and developing educational materials that make complex nutritional concepts easier to understand and apply.

Ellie Whitney is an established author and educator specializing in nutrition, biology, environmental science, and health-related subjects. She earned her bachelor's degree from Harvard University and her Ph.D. from Washington University. She has taught at Florida State University and Florida A&M University and has co-authored numerous college textbooks covering nutrition, health, and related scientific disciplines. Her writing combines scientific knowledge with accessible explanations, helping students understand the relationship between food, human health, and the environment.

Together, Frances Sizer and Ellie Whitney have made significant contributions to nutrition education through their widely used textbooks. Their collaborative work emphasizes scientific accuracy, practical applications, and critical thinking, helping students and readers make informed decisions about food, nutrition, and healthy living.