Diet quality in adults with cerebral palsy: a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease prevention

Abstract

Aim To assess diet quality and its relationship with cardiovascular health measures for adults with cerebral palsy (CP). Method A convenience sample of 45 adults with CP (26 females, 19 males; mean age 35y 10mo [SD 14y 9mo]). were recruited for this cross‐sectional study. Demographic, medical, and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) information were obtained through in‐person visits. Participants completed two 24‐hour dietary recalls using the Automated Self‐Administered 24‐hour Dietary Assessment Tool. Specific macronutrient intake was compared to 2015 to 2020 US Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Other data included body mass index (BMI), waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), blood pressure, and hemoglobin A1c (HgA1c;n=43). Results Adults across GMFCS levels I to V were enrolled, 20 participants were in GMFCS levels IV or V. Mean calorie intake was 1777.91/day (SD 610.54), while sodium intake was 3261.75mg/day (SD 1484.92). Five participants met USDA vegetable and seven fruit guidelines. None met whole grain targets. Sixteen were overweight/obese by BMI. Sixteen participants without hypertension diagnoses had elevated blood pressure and nine had abnormal HgA1c without prediabetes/diabetes history. Percent calories from saturated fat was inversely associated with WHR in unadjusted and adjusted models (p=0.002 and p=0.003 respectively); all other dietary recommendations assessed (total calories, sodium, and sugar) were non‐significant. Post hoc analyses were unchanged using 2020 to 2025 USDA guidelines. Interpretation Assessment of nutrient intake and diet quality is feasible and warrants further study in adults with CP, as USDA guidelines are largely unmet. Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) do not meet US Department of Agriculture dietary quality recommendations. Prediabetes and hypertension may be common, but unrecognized, in adults with CP. Screening for nutrient intake and diet quality should be performed to facilitate nutritional counseling.

Eating and drinking ability and nutritional status in adults with cerebral palsy

“…9 Overweight and obesity could be risk factors for cardiovascular disease in adults with CP. 28 We found that overweight and obesity were more common in adults in EDACS levels I and II compared to adults in EDACS levels III to V. The mean BMI of 24 for the whole cohort was substantially lower than the BMI of 29.1 reported for adults with CP in the US. 29 Even so, the risk of cardiovascular disease is substantially higher in adults with CP compared to the general population and needs to be considered.…”

Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Attributable to Low Whole-Grain Intake in CHINA: An Age-Period-Cohort and Joinpoint Analysis

“…Low WG intake is probably one of the most important but easiest-to-be-ignored factors. With the literature review, we found more and more researchers have noticed the impact of WGs on CVD and the association between CVD and WG intake [ 13 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. However, few studies have focused on a comprehensive analysis of the long-term trend of CVD mortality attributable to low WG intake in China.…”

“…A newly published prospective study based on a long-running birth cohort study in Australia also concluded the same result [ 22 ]. Active ingredients in whole grains, such as dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, lingams, phytosterols, etc., can affect cardiovascular health through the metabolism of sugar, blood lipids, lipoproteins, and vascular endothelial function [ 23 , 24 , 25 ].…”

Relationship of anthropometric measurements and percent body fat mass to cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults with cerebral palsy

“…Participants were recruited to participate in a study evaluating activity levels, nutrition, and the impact of these factors on the health of adolescents and adults with CP. This population has been described previously 31‐33 . Data for the current project are from a subset of the measures obtained in the parent study.…”

“…This population has been described previously. [31][32][33] Data for the current project are from a subset of the measures obtained in the parent study.…”