Nutritional status and adherence to the mediterranean diet in children with epilepsy

The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional status of children diagnosed with epilepsy and to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

This cross-sectional study was carried out with a total of 85 children aged 2-18 years and their parents who attended the outpatient paediatric neurology clinic of a university hospital. Socio-demographic, dietary, biochemical, lifestyle, and anthropometric data were collected. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED).

Of the total children, 22.3% were classified as high adherers to the Mediterranean diet (55.4% moderate and 22.3% poor). According to BMI for age, 15.3% of the children were overweight, and 15.3% were obese. The ratio of energy from fat intake was found to be high. The mean dietary iron and sodium intakes of children with a high level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet were higher than those with moderate and low levels (p < 0.05). The mean dietary cholesterol intake of those with low adherence to the Mediterranean diet (322.70 ± 166.63 mg) was found to be higher than those with high (237.43 ± 163.46 mg) and moderate (194.23 ± 182.71 mg) adherence (p < 0.05). A positive and statistically significant relationship was found between the children's KIDMED index score and carbohydrate, fibre, soluble fibre, iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium values (p < 0.05). There was no relationship between the children's KIDMED index scores and the number of seizures and anthropometric measurements (p > 0.05).

Majority of children diagnosed with epilepsy had moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and that the KIDMED index might be used in the evaluation of healthy eating habits in children diagnosed with epilepsy.