Kirkus 評論

Dr. Atkins, the anti-drug advocate, would treat your medical condition--be it a mental-health problem, or a headache, or diabetes--with a prescribed diet and vitamin supplements. His methods have also been successful, he claims, in increasing resistance to colds and cancer. Since the government and the medical establishment are unsympathetic, he provides lots of arguments to use against skeptical doctors. (Explain first that vitamins and minerals make you feel better, and that's proof enough; follow up with ""are you aware that cod-liver oil, because of its high eicosapentaenoic acid level, can favorably affect the type of prostoglandins in the body and improve the anti-clotting prostacyclin to pro-clotting thromboxone ratio?"") He also comes out in favor of laetrile (in combination with other therapies), and urges people with cancer to closely weigh the options of ""alternative therapies."" To the extent that the establishment is not unbiased in its general condemnation of nutritionists, Atkins has a point; but, on the other hand, his claims for treatment cannot be accurately weighed by individuals. Too much is still unknown, in short, to either disprove or prove his contentions. Complete with his previously published diets (and guide to vitamin and mineral supplements), this is only for those willing to follow his advice at their own risk--until such a time as some forward-looking, reputable group gives his approach a fair trial. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.