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Nutrient intake of children with intractable epilepsy compared with healthy children

Stella L Volpe1, Joan I Schall, Paul R Gallagher

  • 1Division of Biobehavioral and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6096, USA. svolpe@nursing.upenn.edu

Journal of the American Dietetic Association
|May 26, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Children with intractable epilepsy often have poor nutrient intake, impacting growth. This study found significantly lower levels of key nutrients in epileptic children compared to healthy peers, highlighting dietary concerns.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Neurology
  • Clinical Dietetics

Background:

  • Growth retardation is prevalent in children with epilepsy.
  • Poor dietary intake is a potential contributing factor to growth issues in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare nutrient intake in children aged 1-8 years with intractable epilepsy against healthy children.
  • To assess nutrient intake against established Dietary Reference Intakes.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study comparing 43 children with intractable epilepsy to NHANES 2001-2002 data (N=1,718).
  • Children with epilepsy were stratified into two age groups (1.0-3.9 and 4.0-8.9 years).
  • Nutrient intake analysis included total energy, macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

Main Results:

  • Children with intractable epilepsy exhibited significantly lower intakes of energy, protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, and multiple vitamins and minerals (P<0.05).
  • Over 30% of epileptic children had inadequate intake of vitamins D, E, K, folate, calcium, and essential fatty acids.

Conclusions:

  • Children with intractable epilepsy demonstrate a pattern of decreased nutrient intake across a wide spectrum of essential nutrients.
  • Healthcare professionals should educate families on adequate nutrition and consider supplementation for children with intractable epilepsy.

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