Micronutrient status in children with cerebral palsy

Aim: To investigate micronutrient status in a group of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: Thirty-six children with CP, aged 1.5-17 years, completed a 4-day food diary, underwent anthropometric measurements and delivered blood for analysis of micronutrient concentrations. Results: Low intake of iron, folate, niacin, calcium, vitamin E and vitamin D was common, even among those who were receiving nutritional supplements. Laboratory tests revealed low serum concentration of folate in eight children, alpha-tocopherol in six children, ferritin in five children and pyridoxal-5-phosphate in three children. Two participants were low in zinc and one was low in selenium. Severely disabled children received nutrition supplements more frequently than those with less severe disability (71% vs.16%, p = 0.01). Tube feeding and use of nutrition supplements was reflected in higher concentrations of micronutrients in blood and serum. Conclusion: Low intake of micronutrients as well as low micronutrient concentrations was common in this heterogenic group of children with CP. Children with neurological disabilities should have their nutritional status evaluated in order to ascertain sufficient intake of micronutrients.