Assessment of Vitamin D Supplementation in People with Intellectual Disability
Pages 46-53

Ramón Zabalza, Iñaki Múgica, Fernando Sistiaga, Adolfo Garrido, José Ignacio Emparanza and Paul Zubillaga

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2013.01.02.6

Published: 06 May 2014

Abstract: Vitamin D levels are often lower than recommended among certain groups, and these so-called at risk populations include institutionalised people with intellectual disabilities. The administration of vitamin D supplements does normalize these levels, but they tend to fall again when treatment is discontinued. The objectives of this study were, first, to assess whether the administration of 20,000 IU of cholecalciferol monthly and 60,000 IU quarterly over a year provide similar satisfactory results, and second, to explore whether the results are associated with following variables: sex, antiepileptic medication, being a wheelchair user or able to walk, and being a resident or day care user. The study population was composed of 204 individuals of both sexes cared for in four centres of the same institution. There were no differences between the levels reached with monthly and quarterly administration. The overall results show that, at the end of the test period, total 25(OH)vitamin D levels were <30 nmol/L in 3.5% of participants, 30 to < 50 nmol/L in 34%, 50 to <75 nmol/L in 41% and ≥75 nmol/L in 21.5%. There were significant differences between centres. We did not observe any harmful adverse effects attributable to the treatment. To conclude, we propose the continuous systematic administration of 60,000 IU of cholecalciferol every three months in this at-risk population.

Atypical Eating Behaviors Identified in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Aged 3 to 5 Years, Using the Children’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire in a Caregiver-Reported Online Survey
Pages 191-203
Shirley F. Evans, Mark Payton and Tay Kennedy

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2016.04.04.2

Published: 19 January 2017

Abstract: Background: Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), aged 3 to 5 years, have physical, behavioral, and functional problems. Because of alcohol-related deficits, children with FASDs are at risk for malnutrition; yet, little is known about how FASD affects eating behavior and nutrition.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to identify atypical eating behavior in children with FASDs, aged 3 to 5 years, and their associations with socio-demographic characteristics.

Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study gathered data from a caregiver-reported online survey targeting the eating behavior of preschool-aged children with FASDs. The survey included the Children’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) and a socio-demographic questionnaire.

Participants/Setting: Seventy-four caregivers qualified for the study with nine having two children with FASDs. Responses to survey questions varied since caregivers had permission to omit any question.

Results: Significant differences were found between the preschool-aged children with FASDs and Wardle’s published normative sample by gender and age. Compared to reported norms, study children scored higher in Desire to Drink, Food Responsiveness, Emotional Overeating, and Food Fussiness, and lower in Enjoyment of Food. Regarding socio-demographic characteristics, there was greater Enjoyment of Food with larger families and Food Avoidance with college-educated caregivers.

Conclusion: Children with FASDs, aged 3 to 5 years, have atypical eating behaviors characteristic of maladaptive appetites, overeating under stress, selective eating, slowness in eating, and an excessive need for drinks, in comparison with a published normative sample.

Attentional Factors Involved in Learning in the First Grade
Pages 94-109

Lucia Bigozzi, Amanda Grazi and Sara Pezzica

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2016.04.02.3

Published: 28 July 2016

Abstract: In the school population, attentional problems are one of the most frequent causes of failure in learning; sometimes these take the form of a specific deficit and in other cases an attention disorder occurs in comorbidity with a learning disorder. It seems crucial to focus on what peculiar characteristics of attention are involved in basic learning in order to contribute to the diagnostic order and to arrange paths of development.

This research aims to verify the weight of the different components of attention involved in the outcomes of the first stages of learning.

A total of 69 children (34 males and 35 females, aged 6.4±1.1 years and 7.3±1.2 years respectively) in first grade, participated in the study. The results of the correlational analysis carried out show that there are specific significant relationships between the various components of attention and performance in reading, writing and calculation. In particular, visual attention appears to be the aspect most involved in the initial development of the learning of these three abilities.

Factorial analysis shows a single factor involved in the learning of reading, writing and calculation: “Rapid Visual Attention”. The processes identified in the factor are: Selective Attention, Visual Selective Attention, Shifting Focus, Focused Attention, Planning and Inhibition. This factor is characterised by speed in Selective/Sustained Visual Attention and this explains the role of attention in success in reading, writing and calculation in the early stages of school learning.

The Rapid Visual Attention Factor contributes to rapidity in reading, speed in writing and numerical knowledge in first grade children, confirming the causal relationship between visual attention and initial learning in this age group. This “Rapid Visual Attention” Factor may be crucial in accounting for the comorbidity between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Learning Disabilities.

Keywords: Visual attention, literacy, numeracy, processing speed, attention deficit.

Autism Associated with B-Vitamin Deficiency Linked to Sugar Intake and Alcohol Consumption
Pages 7-12
Raymond J. Shamberger

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2015.03.01.2

Published: 26 March 2015

Abstract: Objectives: Autism rates in the United States are increasing at a rate of 10-15% per year. This study uses nutritional epidemiology and relates autism rates to the total B-vitamin intakes. The total amounts of B-vitamins are then compared to the previously established minimal daily requirements to see if the intakes are adequate. The apparent lower B-vitamins may result from the increased consumption of sugar and alcohol which are devoid of vitamins, minerals, protein, fat and antioxidants.

Study Design: The autism rate was then compared to the percent exclusive per cent breast feeding from 2000-2004 as well as 2007-2010. Other comparisons were made between the statewide exclusive breast feeding and the binge drinking per state. The percentage of infants who participated in Washington state WIC (Womens Infant & Childrens) program were also compared to the autism rate in each county. The autism rate among 8 year olds when compared to the % increase of sugar consumption from 2002 to 2010 also showed an increase in the autism rate.

Results: The total amounts of B vitamins in breast milk seemed to be inadequate compared to published mdrs. There was also a direct relationship to the autism rate with the women who were breast feeding from 2000-2004 and 2007-2010. Increased autism rates were related to increased sugar consumption and to an increased alcohol intake.

Conclusions: The mothers who are exclusively breast feeding should continue their prenatal vitamins. Sugar intake and alcohol consumption should be decreased. The results suggest that autism is nutritionally related.