NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND MEDITERRANEAN DIET ADHERENCE OF THE CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME AND THEIR SIBLINGS

Rationale: This study aimed to investigate the nutritional status, eating practices, dietary intake and Mediterranean diet quality scores (KIDMED) of children and adolescents with Down Syndrome (DS) and their non-DS siblings. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out 57 participants divided into two groups, consisting of 34 DS individuals and 23 control siblings, in Kayseri/Turkey. Socio-demographic data, anthropometric measurements, food consumption and feeding difficulties were recorded face to face. Dietary patterns are evaluated by the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED). The physical activity was measured with the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). Results: The rates of overweight and obesity were higher in the DS group compared to siblings according to WHO BMI-z scores classification (p=0.002). Even using Turkish DS-specific growth curves, overweight and obesity rates were higher (p=0.041). No statistical difference was found in energy and macronutrient intake between groups. The mean KIDMED scores also did not differ between the groups but we found that most of the children with DS have moderate adherence and most siblings have high adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p=0.037). The PAQ-C scores were lower in the DS group compared to their siblings (p=0.039). Conclusion: We conclude that children and adolescents with DS have higher rates of overweight and obesity than siblings even using DS-specific growth curves despite the similar dietary patterns, energy and macronutrient intake. To prevent obesity in children and adolescents with DS, it is important to evaluate their growth and development considering nutritional needs and give specific nutritional recommendations that contribute to better dietary patterns.