The Computrition: Nutritional Software Library

nutrient totals, not the contents of the recipe or menu, are saved; this limitation may necessitate keeping a printout that defines the menu or recipe. An additional limitation of this program is that, while the original and especially the expanded database are large, both lack common products and both should be more specific. For example, products containing Nutrasweet are not included; cucumber is listed, but the program does not say whether the values are for the peeled or the unpeeled version (which differ in terms of calories and nutrients). Another criticism is that the database's energy values for Product 19 differ from the value given on the cereal box's side panel. A minor note, cantaloupe was misspelled. Nutri-Calc Plus is easy to use. It is useful for fairly healthy individuals interested in improving their nutrition. Aside from very brief guidelines in the Help File, the program does not educate or advise. Hence, users may profit from going over their printouts with a knowledgeable dietician. A computer that helps people lose weight would increase the tension on the keyboard sufficiently to comprise an aerobic workout for the fingers. It was inevitable that dieting would go high tech, and the future is here, with this sophisticated, glossy software from Computrition, Inc. Nothing comes for free, and, in this case, "nothing" comes at a hefty price. While it is laudable to develop computer programs to aid the clinician and patient, the package here is a bit gimmicky even for the big spenders in the world of weight loss. Computrition, Inc., has targeted the health care providers for its software. Clearly, the intention is for the provider to make money by furnishing a patient service that is relatively inexpensive to start, maintenance-free, and not labor-intensive. Private clients, consultation services, cardiac rehabilitation services, single-or multiple-time users are all potential access points into the Computrition system. After a dietary assessment, the client walks away, presumably satisfied, with a "scientific" summary printout. Tidy and informative. And lucrative. The mechanics of the program series are simple. There is an excellent manual with smartly organized setup instructions. Programs are well explained, and definitions, abbreviation codes, sources of nutrient information, RDAs, and troubleshooting tips are provided. The software is protected from unlawful duplication by a randomized code number that requires the initial setup to include a phone call to the California-based company during office hours; this number can also be …