NUTRIENT INTAKE AND OBESITY IN PREPUBESCENT CHILDREN WITH DOWN-SYNDROME

Objective The aim of this study was to measure nutrient intake and bod y composition in prepubescent children with Down syndrome to understan d dietary barriers involved in the prevention and treatment of obesity . Design Dietary intake was determined from parent-reported 3-day diet records for children with Down syndrome and control subjects. Energy intake was compared with energy expenditure measured by the doubly lab eled mater method. Body composition was determined by deuterium diluti on, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and skinfold thickness measureme nts. Subjects/setting Ten prepubescent children with Down syndrome and 10 control subjects were recruited from the hospital community. The s tudy was conducted in the Clinical Research Center of the University o f Chicago Medical Center. Main outcome measures Nutrient intakes were compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) to estimate ri sk for nutrient deficiency. Fat-free mass values determined by bioelec trical impedance analysis and measurement of skinfold thicknesses were compared with values determined using the deuterium dilution method. Statistical analyses performed Unpaired t tests were used for comparis ons between subject groups and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for comparison of nutrient intakes with RDAs. Results The subjects wit h Down syndrome were significantly shorter (P<.01) than control subjec ts; however, body composition did not differ between the groups. Repor ted energy intake was lower in subjects with Down syndrome. In additio n, several micronutrients were consumed, especially among nonobese sub jects with Down syndrome, at less than 80% of the RDA. Applications To avoid lowering already inadequate intakes of several vitamins and min erals, we suggest that treatment of obesity in children with Down synd rome combine a balanced diet without energy restriction, vitamin and m ineral supplementation, and increased physical activity.