Abstract

Purpose
of this study was to compare nutrient intakes of disabled children and non-disabled children. Subjects consisted of 86 disabled children from a special education school and 127 non-disabled children from an elementary school in Seoul. Nutrient intakes were assessed by modified 24-hr recall method, with the help of children's parents and teachers. Almost all nutrient intakes (energy, protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamin B1 and niacin) of children with cerebral palsy were significantly lower than those of other groups. But nutrient intakes per body weight of children with cerebral palsy were not significantly different with those of other groups. There was no significant difference between disabled and non-disabled children in almost % RDA (rate of actual intake to RDA) except of energy %RDA in children with cerebral palsy. NARs (nutrient adequacy ratio) for energy and vitamin B1 of children with cerebral palsy were significantly lower than those of children with autism and mental retardation, and non-disabled children. The proportions of energy, carbohydrate and protein intakes from lunch were significantly higher than those from breakfast and dinner in children with mental retardation and autism. The nutrient intakes of disabled children were different between other groups according to the type of handicap. For example, children with cerebral palsy had the risk of undernutrition. On the other hand, autistic children had the tendency of overnutrition. These results suggest that nutrition educational programs and educational materials for disabled children, their teachers and their parents should be developed considering the type of handicap.

• Keywords: disabled children; mental retardation; autism; cerebral palsy; nutrient intakes