Nutritional status of institutionalized children and adolescents with developmental disabilities

The relationship was explored between anomalies associated with developmental disabilities and nutritional status of institutionalized children and adolescents who received comprehensive interdisciplinary services. Variables included dietary intake, serum laboratory values, anthropometric measurements, feeding skills assessment, and clinical assessment. Mean intakes of nutrients were greater than 67% of Recommended Daily Allowances. Laboratory values were within normal ranges with the exceptions of serum ferritin, which was borderline or below normal in 46% of the males and 55% of the females, and alkaline phosphatase, which was elevated in 70% of residents receiving anticonvulsants. Energy intake was highest in residents with adequate feeding skills, followed by nonfeeders and feeders requiring behavior management. Subjects had greater triceps skinfold and lower mid-arm muscle circumference and weight measurements as compared to reference data. Findings of this study suggest that these developmentally disabled children and adolescents who received comprehensive interdisciplinary nutritional services, in general, are adequately nourished and have nutrient intakes that meet the RDA requirements.