Long-term nutritional status of an enterally nourished institutionalized population.
Growth and nitrogen nutriture were evaluated during a yearlong study of 11 profoundly retarded nonambulatory institutionalized youth who were fed by gastrostomy and received anticonvulsants. The effects of dietary fiber and vitamin D were assessed by determining plasma levels and balances of zinc, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus in a subset of six patients. Increase in body weight was 3.4 +/- 2.4 kg (means + SD), in height, 5.9 +/- 3.9 cm during the year. N balance remained positive throughout the study. Zn and Ca balances suggested that needs for this population may be greater than or equal to 150% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance. Vitamin D supplementation had no effect. Soy polysaccharide fiber intakes of 18-24 g/d compared with 0 or 12-20 g fiber/d significantly improved N and P retentions. Although the determination of nutrient needs of a severely disabled population is complex, our results suggest N and energy but not Zn and Ca allowances for a healthy population may be satisfactory guidelines.
Van Calcar
S C
SC
Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706.
Liebl
B H
BH
Fischer
M H
MH
Marlett
J A
JA
D000293:Adolescent; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D004032:Diet; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization; D008607:Intellectual Disability; D008297:Male; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000032:analysis; D009752:Nutritional Status; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D008903:Minerals; D014807:Vitamin D; D009584:Nitrogen