Influence of posture during mastication on body composition and nutritional intake in individuals with Down syndrome.

A substantial proportion of participants with Down syndrome were overweight or obese.

• 35.4% of participants reported being overweight or obese.
• The study used a descriptive cross-sectional design with 48 participants aged 8–45 years.
• Anthropometric measurements of body composition were used to assess weight status.

BMI was significantly lower in participants with postural alteration during mastication compared to those without.

• Statistically significant difference in BMI between groups (p = 0.022).
• Those with postural alteration during mastication had lower BMI values.
• The OMES-E protocol was used to assess postural alterations during mastication.
• Sample consisted of 48 participants with Down syndrome.

Body fat percentage was significantly lower in participants with postural alteration during mastication.

• Statistically significant difference in body fat percentage between groups (p = 0.005).
• Participants with postural alteration had lower body fat percentage than those without.
• Anthropometric measurements were used to assess body composition.

Saturated fat intake was significantly associated with postural alteration during mastication.

• Significant relationship observed between saturated fat intake and postural alteration (p = 0.008).
• Dietary intake was recorded using 72-hour/3-day intake recording.
• Those with postural alteration showed differences in saturated fat consumption.

Vitamin D and vitamin E intakes were below recommended levels in the majority of participants.

• Vitamin D intake was lower than recommended levels in 77.1% of participants.
• Vitamin E intake was lower than recommended levels in 95.8% of participants.
• These deficiencies were identified across the full sample of 48 participants.
• Dietary intake was assessed via 72-hour/3-day food intake recording.

Phosphorus, iron, and copper were consumed in excess by more than 50% of the sample, particularly among those with postural alteration during mastication.

• Phosphorus was consumed in excess by more than 50% of the sample.
• Among those with postural alteration, excess consumption was observed for phosphorus (58.3%), iron (45.8%), and copper (45.8%).
• Excess mineral consumption was especially prevalent in the postural alteration group.

Beef consumption was significantly higher in the group with postural alteration during mastication.

• Significant differences in beef consumption were recorded between groups.
• Higher beef intake was observed in the group with postural alteration during mastication.
• Food group analysis was part of the 72-hour/3-day dietary intake assessment.

Individuals with Down syndrome and postural alterations during mastication showed lower overall dietary intake than those without postural alterations.

• Those with lower BMI and fat percentage presented postural alterations during mastication.
• Lower overall intake was associated with the presence of postural alterations.
• Despite lower overall intake, this group showed higher intake of proteins, fats, and B-group vitamins.
• Authors note these dietary behaviors 'warrant closer attention due to their potential health implications.'