Down Syndrome and Nutrition

Down Syndrome and nutrition go hand in hand.

Nutrition is defined in the Merriam Webster Dictionary Online as :

"specifically - the sum of the processes by which an animal or plant takes in and utilizes food substances."

For infants, of course, the main source of nutrients is formula or breast milk. As your baby grows you will start adding solid foods per your child's pediatrician's instructions. When your child becomes a toddler he or she will likely get her nourishment from table foods. At this point it is important that she gets well-balanced meals, along with nutritious snacks. junk food should be kept to a minimum.

**A word about formula feeding: always mix the formula according to the instructions on the label or, if the doctor has given you special instructions, according to those instructions. when my kids were on formula, I have had people tell me (strangers in a store when I was buying formula, or just a passerby) that they diluted the formula their child got so it would last longer. That is a dangerous practice. The infant could easily become malnourished and that carries a whole host of other problems with it.

Okay, I'll step off the soapbox now... It is important for all children, especially those with Down Syndrome to follow a healthy diet.

What is a "Healthy Diet"?

The Dietary Guidelines describe a healthy diet as one that (once your child is eating regular foods):

• Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products;
• Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts;
• Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium)
• and low in added sugars.

Special Supplements

There has been an ongoing debate for quite some time now about the value of adding to your child’s diet on of the various supplements specifically produced for people with Down Syndrome and/or other special needs. The controversy surrounding the issue of supplementation makes it difficult to know what to do. Included at the bottom of this page are links to various sources of information concerning supplementation.

There are various supplements available on the market that claim to be beneficial for children and people with Down Syndrome and/or other special needs. The makers of these supplements make many claims, ranging from boosting the immune system to increasing the intelligence quotient of people with Down Syndrome. According to the FDA there is no scientific evidence to support those claims.

See Nutritional Supplements in Down Syndrome by Dr. Len Leshin .

There are many things to think about when a child has Down Syndrome and nutrition MUST be one of them. People with Down Syndrome have a tendency to become heavy for their height, but with excellent nutrition this can be prevented or minimized. Not to mention all the additional benfits of all those healthy foods.

For information on Down Syndrome and nutrition in infants click here. (yet to come)

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