Feeding Challenges in Trisomy 21: Prevalence and Characteristics of Feeding Disorders and Food Neophobia-A Cross-Sectional Study of Polish Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Food neophobia, defined as reluctance to try new foods, may lead to nutritional deficiencies and complicate dietary management-especially in individuals with Down syndrome, who often present with oral-motor dysfunction. This condition may result in nutritional deficiencies and difficulties in adhering to dietary recommendations, particularly in individuals with comorbidities. In individuals with Down syndrome (DS), who frequently present with oral motor disorders and chronic diseases, the problem may be especially pronounced.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to assess the risk of food neophobia and feeding difficulties in children, adolescents, and young adults with Down syndrome, as well as their associations with age, gender, and body weight.

METHODS

The research was conducted using the CAWI method among 310 caregivers of individuals with DS in Poland. Two validated tools were employed: the Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale (MCH-FS) and the Food Neophobia Scale for Children (FNSC). Body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, and demographic data were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Findings revealed that the majority of participants (55.2%) had normal body weight, while 19.4% were undernourished and 6.5% were classified as obese. Feeding difficulties of moderate to very high severity were reported in 26.5% of the participants. A high risk of food neophobia was identified in 41.3% of respondents, most frequently in the preschool age group. A statistically significant association was observed between age and the severity of both feeding difficulties and neophobia ( < 0.05). However, no significant relationships were found with gender or body weight.

CONCLUSIONS

Feeding difficulties and food neophobia are prevalent among individuals with Down syndrome, particularly in preschool-aged children. The findings highlight the necessity of an interdisciplinary therapeutic approach and the individualization of dietary interventions, taking developmental age into account. Further studies are warranted, with consideration of environmental and psychosocial factors.