Any healthcare professional with, or developing an interest in, clinical nutrition will be able to use this textbook, first published in 2001, as a source of information for the formation of a clinical nutrition support service of excellence. The first three parts of the book will enable a clear perspective of the metabolism and physiology of clinical nutrition to be related to the practical application of support techniques. The fourth part of the book highlights the role of nutrition support in specific disease groups. A number of additional chapters have been added for this second edition, and modifications made to the content of chapters from the first edition to cover newer areas or areas of omission.