Abstract
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 (x̄ ± 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 ≥ 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.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 381-390 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | American Journal of Clinical Nutrition |
Volume | 50 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1989 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine (miscellaneous)
- Nutrition and Dietetics