Dietary aspects related to health and obesity in Williams syndrome, Down syndrome, and Prader–Willi syndrome

Abstract

BackgroundDietary aspects that might contribute to development of obesity and secondary conditions are not well documented in genetic subgroups associated with intellectual disability.ObjectiveTo describe the intake frequencies of selected foods in participants with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), Down syndrome (DS), and Williams syndrome (WS), and investigate the association with body mass index (BMI). To explore food-related autonomy and intake frequencies among persons with DS in different living arrangements.MethodsSelf-reported intake frequencies and measurement of plasma carotenoids and erythrocyte content of omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) were investigated in persons aged 16–42 years, with WS (n=21), DS (n=40), and PWS (n=20).ResultsA larger proportion of participants with PWS showed high-frequency intake of fruits (p=0.012) and vegetables (p=0.004), and had higher plasma carotenoids (p<0.001) compared to participants with DS and WS. Furthermore, a larger proportion of participants with WS were low-frequency consumers of fish (p=0.005), less likely to use omega-3 FA supplements (p=0.023), and had reduced erythrocyte concentrations of long-chain omega-3 FAs (p<0.001), compared to participants with PWS and DS. In DS, BMI was negatively associated with plasma carotenoids. Increased proportions of participants living in communities showed high-frequency intake of precooked meals (p=0.030), and a tendency toward high-frequency consumption of soft drinks (p=0.079), when compared to peers living with relatives. Participants in community residences were also more likely to participate frequently in food-related decisions and preparations.ConclusionsPersons with WS had a less-favorable dietary pattern when compared to persons with PWS. A larger proportion of persons living in communities frequently consumed precooked meals and showed a tendency of high-frequency soft drink consumption. Otherwise, their intake frequencies of the investigated foods were similar to those living with relatives, but they participated more frequently in decisions and preparations of foods.

Bone mineral status and metabolism in patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome

“…[25][26][27] In fact, concerning lack of physical activity, WBS may show distinctive congenital and acquired cardiovascular lesions, thyroid disorders, and progressive joint limitations in addition to a variable failure to thrive during the infancy, observed in more than 70% of cases.…”

The right to a health-promoting diet for people with intellectual disabilities

“…Their life expectancy is also reduced, which should be seen in connection with their high prevalence of obesity and other dietary and metabolic diseases (1)(2)(3). For many, the intake of fruit, vegetables and fish is considerably less frequent than recommended, and we have noted high consumption of ready meals and soft drinks among those who live on their own (2).…”

“…Intellectual disabilities are often caused by genetic changes that involve considerable differences in the incidence of comorbidity (2,3,6). Due to the many clinical variables, the people who make up this group cannot all be put in the same category and offered the same type of intervention.…”

Feasibility of Assessing Diet with a Mobile Food Record for Adolescents and Young Adults with Down Syndrome

“…Acceptable dietary assessment methods for people with intellectual disabilities present additional challenges due to difficulties with memory, cognition, literacy and communication [4]. Previous studies with adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome have utilised a variety of dietary assessment methods [13,14,15,16]. In almost all these studies, parents and carers completed the questionnaires on behalf of the young person with Down syndrome [13,14,16], with few studies involving the young people themselves in data collection [15].…”

“…Previous studies with adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome have utilised a variety of dietary assessment methods [13,14,15,16]. In almost all these studies, parents and carers completed the questionnaires on behalf of the young person with Down syndrome [13,14,16], with few studies involving the young people themselves in data collection [15]. For adolescents and young adults, their growing independence outside the home can limit the acceptability of proxy-reported dietary intake [4]; thus, for adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome, mobile technologies may improve participation in dietary intake research.…”