Abstract

MADRIGAL LORIA, Alejandra  and  GONZALEZ URRUTIA, Ana Rocío. Nutritional status of children with Down syndrome from the National Center for Special Education in Costa Rica. Rev. costarric. salud pública [online]. 2009, vol.18, n.2, pp.72-78. ISSN 1409-1429.

Objective: To evaluate the condition of children suffering from Down syndrome with ages between seven and 14, who went to "National Center for Special Education" during 2007. Methods: Several processes were evaluated; for example: anthropometric indicators (weight, height, cutaneous skinfolds,) biochemical (basal blood glucose, lipids profile, hemoglobin, hematocrit, thyroidal function,) clinical (revision of medical records and physical exams performed in the medical center). Also eating habits, life style and socioeconomic aspects were taken into account. For the last three, we also observed the methods of a semi-structured interview, frequency of food intake; non participant observation of snacks and lunches and direct weighing of the portions served at the center in order to determine its nutritional value. Results: 16 children were observed. Most of them showed signs of obesity, low consumption of vegetables, high intake of refined flour and foods containing simple carbohydrates (candies and desserts,) saturated fats and cholesterol (processed meats and fried food.) It’s important to mention that 12/15 participants presented hypertriglyceridemia and 11/15 showed a low levels of HDL cholesterol. dditionally, a poor level of physical activity was reported. Conclusion: From the nutritional point of view, this investigation is the first approach to the children suffering from Down syndrome in Costa Rica. Nevertheless, further analysis and research is necessary in order to generate the nutritional guides that will improve the lifestyle of these children.

Keywords : Down syndrome; nutritional status; obesity; food habits.

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