Nutrition and drug therapy for persons with developmental disabilities.

Literature relevant to drugs reported as affecting or not affecting nutrient metabolism and diet for developmentally disabled persons was summarized. Many investigators have found side effects of anticonvulsant drugs on vitamin D, calcium, folid acid, and vitamin B12 metabolism. Growth-retarding effects of certain central nervous system stimulants have also been reported. It has beed found that tranquilizers and antidepressant therapy show no effects on nutrient metabolism. Vitamins used in pharmacologic doses are considered as drugs; their therapeutic use was briefly reviewed here. The need for more research on biochemical interaction of drugs and nutrients was recommended.