Severe neurological handicaps in children are frequently accompanied b
y growth retardation. We have studied 13 severely neurologically impai
red children in an institution to see if their poor growth was related
to a low intake of energy and nutrients, if this was reflected in bio
chemical nutritional parameters, and to modify their diet according to
the results. The investigation showed low dietary intakes of energy a
nd of several of the nutrients, with corresponding low Hb values and s
erum values of ferritin, selenium and vitamins E and D in some of the
children. All the children were initially light for age, with catch-up
growth after intervention. We conclude that severely disabled childre
n are at high risk for under- and malnutrition, and that this may part
ly explain the growth retardation in the study group. To avoid the pot
ential detrimental effects of malnutrition, it is important to aim at
providing an optimal diet.