ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT This study aimed at describing the lipid profile of children with feeding difficulties (FD), as well as to verify the impact of clinical types of FD and other markers on the presence of dyslipidemias (DLP). It was a cross-sectional study with 61 children between 2 and 10 years old. The following data was collected from medical records: age, gender, duration of exclusive breastfeeding (months), dosages of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL and triglycerides (according to recommendations for age), type of FD, BMI z-score, dietary intake of carbohydrates and lipids (% energy intake), and daily consumption of milk (ml), fiber (g) and sugar sweetened beverages (SSB, ml). T-Student-test and ANOVA test were used, with a 5% significance level. Children were mostly picky eaters (55.7%), and 47.5% had dyslipidemia, mostly low HDL-c (27.6%) and hypertriglyceridemia (21.9%). No significant relationship was found between DLP and duration of exclusive breastfeeding (p= 0.93), BMI (p> 0.40), type of FD (p> 0.26), or dietary characteristics (p> 0.12). Children with dyslipidemia tended to drink higher volumes of SSB when compared to recommended values (p= 0.044). The prevalence of DLP found was higher than the average shown in children. More studies are needed to prove if there is a true association between FD and dyslipidemia.
RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el perfil lipídico de niños con dificultades alimentares (DA) y verificar el impacto de los tipos clínicos de DA y otros marcadores sobre la presencia de dislipemias (DLP). Se trató de un estudio transversal con 61 niños de 2 a 10 años. Se obtuvieron los datos de edad, sexo, duración de la lactancia materna exclusiva (meses), colesterol total, HDL, LDL, VLDL y triglicéridos (según las recomendaciones para la edad), tipo de DA, índice-z del IMC, consumo dietético de carbohidratos y lípidos (% energético), consumo diario de leche (ml), fibra (g) y bebidas endulzadas (SSB, ml). Se usaron pruebas T-Student y ANOVA, con nivel de significancia del 5%. Los niños fueron selectivos (55,7%) y el 47,5% dislipidémicos, principalmente con HDL-c bajo (27,6%) y hipertrigliceridemia (21,9%). No se encontró relación significante entre DLP y la duración de la lactancia materna exclusiva (p= 0,93), el IMC (p> 0,40), el tipo de DA (p> 0,26) o las características dietéticas (p> 0,12). Los niños dislipidémicos tendieron a beber mayores volúmenes de SSB en comparación con los valores recomendados (p= 0,044). La prevalencia de DLP encontrada es más alta que el promedio que se muestra en niños. Se necesitan más estudios para demostrar asociaciones sólidas entre DA y dislipidemia.
Subject(s)
Humans , Feeding and Eating Disorders , Child , Dyslipidemias , Child Nutrition , Child HealthABSTRACT
Background: Iron deficiency anemia and feeding difficulties (FD) are common issues in childhood, reinforcing the concern about the risk of micronutrient deficiencies. FD do not necessarily reflect nutritional deficiencies, since they may or may not relate to specific nutrient sources. The objective of the study is to describe the prevalence of iron depletion and iron deficiency anemia in children with FD and to seek associations with diagnosis and its markers. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 68 patients (convenience sample). The following data were assessed through medical records: age (months), gender, exclusive breastfeeding duration (months), birth weight (kg), iron supplementation, hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, repertory of foods consumed (food inventory and 3-day food record analysis), and diagnosis of FD. Data were classified according to references for age and were analyzed using correlation tests, Student's t test, ANOVA and chi-square test, or its nonparametric equivalents. A significance level of 5% was considered. Results: Iron depletion and anemia were identified in 10.1 and 6% of children, respectively. Picky eating was diagnosed in 35.3%. Food repertory consisted on average of 21 foods, with null correlation to Hb and ferritin. The average fortified milk intake was 517 ml/day, with null correlation to Hb. There was no effect of diagnosis of FD on Hb (p = 0.18) or ferritin (p = 0.52). The same was verified in the children without supplementation, to both Hb (p = 0. 54) and ferritin (p = 0.08). Conclusions: No evidence of association between diagnosis of FD or repertory of foods to anemia or iron depletion was found, which could be a reassuring factor for caregivers. Reproduction in large scale as well as inclusion of dietary intake variables is suggested for further research.