This four-part book is a compendium of current dietary information and is designed primarily as a reference tool for anyone interested in the field of nutrition. The book's first three parts each contain papers generated from nutrition-related research. Part 1, "Dietary Directions in the 1980s," begins by discussing efforts of major governmental groups to develop a national nutritional policy. Papers on nutritive values, energy requirements, vitamins, minerals and elements, salts, fibers, and sweeteners are also included. Part 2, "Nutrition from Conception through Adolescence," contains papers on the topics of pregnancy and lactation, infancy, immunology, childhood, and adolescence. "Adulthood into the Golden Years," the third section, has papers about athletic needs, cancer, cardiovascular system, dental caries, diabetes, medical interactions, mental health, and geriatric needs. Part 4 lists resources for further information, including: (1) libraries specializing in agriculture, food, and nutrition volumes; (2) food and nutrition related associations in the United States; (3) colleges and universities offering accredited courses in agriculture, food, and nutrition; (4) grant support programs in food science, agriculture, and nutrition; (5) magazines covering food and nutrition; (6) publishing opportunities in food and nutrition; and (7) book publishers of food and nutrition. (CJ)