World Down Syndrome Day: What Kind Of Dietary, Fitness Parameters Should Kids With Down Syndrome Have?
World Down Syndrome Day: What Kind Of Dietary, Fitness Parameters Should Kids With Down Syndrome Have?
In December 2011, the UN General Assembly declared March 21 as 'World Down Syndrome Day'. Around the world, there is a need for more societal acceptance for people born with this disorder, so that they are rewarded with inclusivity, proper healthcare, career opportunities and everything else needed to live a regular life.
Written By:
Prerna Mittra
| Updated : March 22, 2024 11:11 AM IST
According to the United Nations, the estimated incidence of Down syndrome is between 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,100 live births worldwide. In fact, each year, approximately 3,000 to 5,000 children are born with it. (Photo: Freepik)
World Down Syndrome Day: Down syndrome is understood to be a common chromosomal disorder, which is a result of an extra copy of chromosome 21 (either partial or whole) instead of the usual chromosome complement. It results in a range of physical, structural, cognitive, neuro-hormonal, musculoskeletal, visual or hearing problems in children and adults. In December 2011, the UN General Assembly declared March 21 as 'World Down Syndrome Day' to raise public awareness about the condition globally. Around the world, there is a need for more societal acceptance for people born with this disorder, so that they are rewarded with inclusivity, proper healthcare, career opportunities and everything else needed to live a regular life. According to the United Nations, the estimated incidence of Down syndrome is between 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,100 live births worldwide. In fact, each year, approximately 3,000 to 5,000 children are born with it.
According to Dr Somalika Pal, senior consultant, department of neonatology and paediatrics at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, New Delhi (East of Kailash), dietary recommendations for children with Down syndrome is no different from regular individuals. The unique challenges some of these children experience are:
Limited physical activity
Issues faced with fast or quick speed processing
Musculoskeletal problems
Poor muscle tone
Underlying hypothyroidism compounded by poor dietary choices due to psycho-emotional issues by individual or
caregivers
A greater risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
To combat these risks, families need to carefully incorporate healthy eating practices, said Dr Pal. Other things to keep in mind include:
Focus on breastfeeding the baby in the initial 6 months and beyond, along with healthy eating choices thereafter.
Ensure regular exercise/physical activity.
Periodic health checkups to rule out common medical issues like hypothyroidism, constipation, dyslipidemia, coeliac disease, micronutrient deficiencies, obesity, diabetes, GERD, psychological support.
Inclusive lifestyle and special education, as required.
Nutritional Recommendations
According to the expert, the nutritional recommendations for children with Down syndrome are:
During infancy, these children have breastfeeding issues due to poor muscle tone and tongue thrust. Appropriate counselling about breastfeeding techniques like the 'dancer's hold', feeding in upright position, 'chin tuck' positions, etc., need to be discussed.
Eating small, frequent meals to avoid compulsive munching; it helps those with gastroesophageal reflux.
Incorporating plenty of fruits, vegetables, cereals, lean meats, protein and fibre in the diet to establish healthy body composition, and to prevent constipation.
Plenty of water and fluids in diet.
Modifying dietary intake based on medical issues like gluten restriction for Celiac disease.
Physical Activities/Fitness
When it comes to physical fitness, the doctor recommends the following for children with Down syndrome:
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Physical activity poses a challenge due to the limitations that come with the disorder. The reasons range from low muscle tone, joint hypermobility, balance issues, visual problems, vestibular problems, cervical instability, caregiver concerns, intellectual disability, societal perceptions. It can lead to obesity, poor lung capacity, low exercise tolerance, poor bone mineral density in adulthood, along with cardiovascular risks and diabetes.
"There remains some controversy about the kind of exercises that can be safely structured for these children, due to increased fall risk, or risk of dislocations. But the number of recommended physical activities is the same as that of other children," said the doctor.
Balancing exercises and core-stabilising exercises: Repeat simple drills to aid muscle memory, like yoga ball, planks, sit-ups, balance cycle, line-walking, climbing activities, kicking balls and catching balls of different sizes.
Visual-tracking games help -- kicking and catching different-sized balls.
Movement activities like swinging, balance beam, standing on one foot, skipping, etc.
Barefoot walking/playing to improve sensory coordination.
Cardiovascular activities like swimming, walking, jogging, cycling.
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