# Influence of posture during mastication on body composition and nutritional intake in individuals with Down syndrome

## TL;DR

This study found that posture during eating affects body composition and nutrition in people with Down syndrome, with postural changes linked to lower BMI and fat percentage.

## Contribution

The study identifies a novel link between mastication posture and nutritional outcomes in individuals with Down syndrome.

## Key findings

- Participants with postural alterations during mastication had lower BMI and body fat percentage.
- Excess intake of phosphorus, iron, and copper was more common in those with postural alterations.
- Higher beef consumption was observed in individuals with postural changes during eating.

## Abstract

Down syndrome is associated with muscular hypotonia and feeding problems. The aim was to assess whether postural alterations during mastication had an impact on body composition, food intake and consumption.

Descriptive cross-sectional study with 48 participants (8–45 years). The OMES-E protocol, anthropometric measurements of body composition and 72 h/3 days intake recording were used.

A total of 35.4% of participants reported being overweight or obese. Statistically significant differences were found in body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.022) and body fat percentage (p = 0.005), both being lower in those participants with postural alteration during mastication. Likewise, a significant relationship was observed between saturated fat intake and postural alteration (p = 0.008). Vitamin D intake was lower than the recommended levels in 77.1% of the participants and vitamin E in 95.8%. Phosphorus (P), iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) were consumed in excess by more than 50% of the sample, especially among those with postural alteration during mastication (58.3%, 45.8% and 45.8%, respectively). As for the food groups, significant differences were recorded in beef consumption, with higher intake in the group with postural alteration.

Individuals with Down syndrome tend to present obesity and/or overweight. Those with a lower BMI and fat percentage presented postural alterations during mastication, associated with a lower overall intake than those without postural alterations. A higher intake of proteins, fats, and B-group vitamins was shown, which points to dietary behaviors that warrant closer attention due to their potential health implications.