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Energy and nutrient intakes in congenital heart disease
1Nutrition and Home Economics, University of Aarhus, Denmark.
Insights
Children with congenital heart disease often have growth issues due to poor nutrition. This study found their energy intake was low, but protein was sufficient, with deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Nutritional Science
- Growth and Development
Background:
- Congenital heart disease (CHD) in children can lead to significant growth retardation.
- Insufficient dietary intake is a potential contributing factor to this growth deficit.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the energy and nutrient intake in children with CHD before corrective surgery.
- To correlate dietary intake with growth parameters in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A 14-day dietary record using weighing was conducted.
- Data were collected from 22 children with CHD (mean age 39 months) pre-operation.
- Intake was compared against recommended values (FAO/WHO/UNU) and correlated with weight SD scores.
Main Results:
- Energy intake averaged 88% of recommended levels and was significantly correlated with weight SD scores (r = 0.55, p < 0.01).
- Protein intake was generally high and adequate for catch-up growth.
- Most children had insufficient intake of iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamins D, E, C, B1, and B6.
Conclusions:
- Children with CHD frequently exhibit inadequate energy intake, impacting growth.
- While protein intake is often sufficient, micronutrient deficiencies are common.
- Supplementation with vitamins/minerals and increased energy provision is recommended for children with failure to thrive.
Abstract:
Children with congenital heart disease may have significant growth retardation, which in part may be caused by insufficient dietary intake. Data on energy and nutrient intake were collected using a 14-day dietary record by weighing, in 22 children with congenital heart disease (mean age 39 months, range 12-126 months), prior to corrective operation. When viewed in relation to actual weight, energy intake averaged 88% (SD 17%) of that recommended by the FAO/WHO/UNU. Energy intakes and weight SD scores were significantly correlated (r = 0.55, p < 0.01). Protein intake was generally high, and even sufficient to allow catch-up growth. The majority of the children did not meet the recommendations for iron, zinc, calcium, or vitamins D, E, C, B1 or B6. Parents should be advised to give their children vitamin/mineral supplements, and to supply extra energy to children with failure to thrive.