Nutritional status and Mediterranean diet adherence of children with Down Syndrome and their siblings

Abstract

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the nutritional status, eating practices, dietary intake, and dietary patterns of Down Syndrome (DS) individuals and their non-DS siblings.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out with two groups, consisting of 34 DS individuals and 23 siblings. Socio-demographic data, anthropometric measurements, food consumption, and feeding difficulties were recorded. Dietary patterns are evaluated by the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED). The physical activity was measured with the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C).

Results

The rates of being overweight and obese were higher in the DS group according to the WHO BMI-z scores classification (p = 0.002). Even using Turkish DS-specific growth curves, being overweight and obese rates were higher (p = 0.041). No statistical difference was found in energy, macronutrient intake, and the mean KIDMED scores. However, most of the DS group had moderate adherence and most siblings had high adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p = 0.037). The PAQ-C scores were lower in the DS group (p = 0.039).

Conclusions

We conclude that DS individuals have higher rates of being overweight/obese even using DS-specific growth curves despite similar dietary patterns and nutrient intake. To prevent obesity in DS, it is important to evaluate their growth considering specific nutritional requirements.

Keywords:

• Down Syndrome
• KIDMED
• nutritional status
• PAQ-C
• sibling

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all the patients and parents who participated in the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

Data supporting the findings of this study are available upon request from the corresponding author.