Nutritional status of children and adolescents with down syndrome judo practice

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of children and adolescents with DS judo practitioners. It is a study of cross-field, held in DS patients aged 7 to 17, in Sao Paulo. They were measured weight and height and compared with Cronk curves, adapted to DS and also skinfold and arm circumference. For food consumption, we used 24-hour recall and food frequency questionnaire. They were assessed 7 children and 6 adolescents with SD of both genders. Most met weight (53.8%), arm circumference (46.1%) and arm muscle circumference (84.6%) appropriate and height above the expected range for age (69.2%). The food frequency questionnaire showed lower consumption than recommended by the food pyramid adapted in 53.8% of subjects for the group of fruits and cereals. Moreover, the consumption of meat has been recommended above 46.1%. Nevertheless, protein and carbohydrate intake was adequate for 92.6% and 53.8%, respectively, and the lipid was lower than recommended by DRIs in 76.9% of cases. Most did not reach the calcium, iron and zinc status. It is concluded that most children and adolescents with DS judo practitioners have the normal nutritional status, however, food consumption detected improper habits causing imbalance between the macro and micronutrients.