Eureka! Institutional Repository

Children with cerebral palsy are in high risk for disorders in vitamin D levels due to antiepileptic treatments. However, it’s not clear if such treatments are the sole reason responsible for those disorders. Aim: The evaluation, not only, of the dietary intake of vitamin D, but also that of the factors that contribute to its cutaneous production in children with cerebral palsy and the study of their correlation with diet quality and bone health. Methods-Materials: 32 children with cerebral palsy (7y±5) were included in this survey. Demographic data were collected in scheduled patient visits and anthropometric measurements were performed. An S-FFQ for children was used for the evaluation of vitamin D intake alongside with the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index tool (KIDMED) and QUS. Statistical analysis was conducted to investigate if any correlations between the above were present. Results: 91% of the sample was found with vitamin D intake significantally lower than the RDA (<600 IU) in both sexes. The diet quality was optimal in 16% of the participants and based on the Tricep Skinfold Thickness (TSFT) 32% were undernurished (<10th percentile). A positive correlation was found between vitamin D intake and QUS measurements of the right radius (p<0.01). The small sample could be the reason why no other statistically significant correlations were detected. Conclusions: Children with cerebral palsy seem to have low dietary vitamin D intake and bad compliance with the Mediterranean Diet standards. Nutrition indexes indicate high prevelance and risk of malnutrition in children with CP. Bone health in children with CP appears to be connected with vitamin D intake, but further investigation must be conducted in order to draw any certain conclusions.