Open AccessDietary aspects related to health and obesity in Williams syndrome, Down syndrome, and Prader–Willi syndrome
Author(s) -
Marianne Nordstrøm,
Benedicte Paus,
Lene Frost Andersen,
Svein Olav Kolset
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
food and nutrition research/food and nutrition research. supplement
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.041
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1654-6628
pISSN - 1654-661X
DOI - 10.3402/fnr.v59.25487
Subject(s) - obesity , body mass index , medicine , metabolic syndrome , food frequency questionnaire , down syndrome , endocrinology , carotenoid , biology , food science , psychiatry
Background Dietary aspects that might contribute to development of obesity and secondary conditions are not well documented in genetic subgroups associated with intellectual disability. Objective To 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. Methods Self-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). Results A 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. Conclusions Persons 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.