Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21); as a result of a genetic disorder because of the genetic difference by the presence of an extra chromosome in a pair of chromosomes. Because of this one chromosome, the development of the body and the nervous system changes systematically.
The reasons for what causes the formation of excess chromosomes, for what reason chromosomes can not be divided correctly, are still not known for sure.
Some causes that are known to cause chromosomal abnormalities are;
• Mother and father who are advanced age
• Problems with the immune system and hormones during pregnancy
• X-rays exposed during pregnancy
• Drug use
* Viral bacterial infections
* Substance abuse, etc., but it is not known what directly affects them.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism symptoms usually appear before the age of 3 and are a developmental disorder that persists throughout life. The way the brains of individuals with autism work is different. It is assumed that there is an abnormality in the central nervous system, and it is believed that there is a lack or excess of chemical transmitters that carry messages between cells in the brain. Individuals with autism may have a number of problems in the areas of language development, social skills, and behavior. These problems usually include not being able to communicate with other people, not being able to make friends, and having difficulties doing what they are told.
The cause of autism is a disorder that has not yet been fully determined, some causes that are thought to be are;
• The influence of a genetic factor is significant in autism.
* Environmental causes are also considered to be effective.
Today it is known for sure that there is no single factor that causes autism. Autism is a fairly complex disorder that occurs when multiple factors come together, the cause of which cannot be known exactly.
Some recommendations for individuals with autism;
• Pay attention to vitamin D deficiency.
• Consume foods rich in healthy fats (Cold pressed olive oils, coconut oil, fish oil).
• Add omega-3 to your diet.
• Be careful not to eat GMOs (genetically modified organisms).
• Change the way you eat and don't consume foods that contain gluten.
• 1 – 4 eggs can be eaten per day.
• Fruits with high sugar should not be preferred too much, fruits with low sugar should be used more.
• Use vegetables mostly raw in the form of salads.
Nutrition for People with Down Syndrome and Autism
Gluten-free diet, which is the only treatment option for celiac disease, is also used in people with Down syndrome and autism. In addition, due to the casein found in milk, all dairy and dairy products (cheese, buttermilk, etc.) it is believed that the exclusion of these children from the diet will be effective.
A large number of studies have been conducted investigating the incidence of celiac disease in individuals with Down syndrome. In these studies, celiac disease was detected at rates starting from 3% and increasing to more than 18%.
In individuals with autism, the digestive functions of at least 95% of them are impaired due to heavy metals and other toxins. Because of this disruption, large molecules such as casein and gluten cannot be broken down to their smallest units, large molecules that enter the blood in this way pose a threat to the body, disrupt the immune system, and change the way the brain works.
Foods containing wheat, barley, rye and oats should be avoided because they contain gluten. If symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, or diarrhea occur after consuming such foods, it will be a good solution to restrict foods containing these grains. Otherwise, problems with digestion and absorption are inevitable. In addition to these, general fatigue, weakness, aches, joint pains, depression and anemia can also be common. Gluten-free diet is the only treatment method necessary to prevent celiac disease and gluten sensitivity symptoms.
In people with Down syndrome, liver, fish, turkey and chicken meat, eggs, mushrooms, sunflower seeds and garlic may be recommended to increase zinc and improve the thyroid gland. Constipation is a common problem that a lot of work muscles therefore the child is not missing in addition to the amount of water and sediment, dry beans, nuts, peanuts and consume almonds, yogurt, ayran and kefir should never be neglected, in addition to ensure the consumption of physical activity. It is advisable to avoid giving simple sugar (tea sugar, fruit sugar, honey, molasses and jam) when there is a high risk of diabetes. Attention should be paid to fatty acids in the diet of these individuals due to the slow work of omega 3 and omega 6 metabolism.
Due to the fact that individuals with autism may not eat enough due to limited nutritional preferences, a deficiency of nutrients such as fatty acid supplementation, multivitamin supplementation, mineral supplementation, probiotic supplementation can be determined and supplements of these nutrients can be performed.
As a result, the doctor should decide on the diet of people with Down syndrome and autism, and if it is considered appropriate, the deficiency should be eliminated with supplements.
Sinem Kınık
Food Engineer