RESUMO
The total of 1326 [906 males and 420 females] mentally retarded children and adolescents aged between 6-20 years at urban area from governmental and non-governmental handicap schools and establishments were included in this study. Six governorates were chosen from different geographical areas of Egypt. Food history was taken using 24 h recall method for 50% of the sample. Hemoglobin concentration was determined for all. The results indicated that most of individuals [81%] were attending to low social level; the total caloric intake was insufBcient for 78% of the sample .The mean intakes of protein were less than the requirements for 14.4 %. The shortage in dietary vit A was for 69.8% and vit E for 85.6%. Over 90% of the sample consumed less than the Recommended Dietary Intakes RDIs from calcium, iron, zinc, and iodine. Although, the mean copper and vit C intake was satisfactory as a whole, yet there was insufficient copper intake for 55.8% and vit C for 24.1%. There was a high incidence of anemia [64%]. The mean of Hemoglobin concentration [cone.] for anemic subjects was 11.07+/- 1.07 g/dl and for non anemic was 13.76 +/- 1.06 g/dl. Sex difference had a significant role in the Hb cone. The recommendation should be: 1- improving the socioeconomic status for the poor families. 2- Increase the budget of feeding program for mental handicapped schools and establishments and it must re-planning the daily diet to contain more Protein, carbohydrates, calcium, zinc, iodine , vit A and vit E according to RDIs. The suggested dietary sources are legumes, cereals, milk and dairy products, dry date, and intake the iodized salt?