Nutritional Interventions in Children with Brain Injuries: A Systematic Review

Nutritional interventions to support acute mTBI recovery

When mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) occurs following an impact on the head or body, the brain is disrupted leading to a series of metabolic events that may alter the brain's ability to function and repair itself. These changes may place increased nutritional demands on the body. Little is known on whether nutritional interventions are safe for patients to implement post mTBI and whether they may improve recovery outcomes. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a systematic review to determine what nutritional interventions have been prescribed to humans diagnosed with mTBI during its acute period (<14 days) to support, facilitate, and result in measured recovery outcomes.

Need of nutritional assessment and monitoring in a population with acquired brain injury: an analytical cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) may be at an increased risk of malnutrition due to the pathophysiology of their condition, which can affect their anthropometrical profile and therefore their quality of life. The present study analyzes the anthropometrical profile of these individuals, describes their dietary habits and nutrients intake and identifies the related risk factors influencing health status and quality of life.

METHODS

Twenty-three volunteers with ABI from the province of Granada (Spain) were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Nutritional assessment was quantitatively and qualitatively performed using a 72-h dietary record and a food frequency questionnaire, respectively. Body composition parameters were evaluated by bioelectrical impedance.

RESULTS

Low intakes of minerals related to bone health, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and fruits were reported. Moreover, women presented a poorer anthropometrical profile compared to men. With reference to age, a significant inverse correlation was observed with sarcopenic obesity, appendicular muscle mass index and Vitamin B₆ intake [(r = -0.617, p < 0.01), (r = -0.475, p < 0.05) and (r = -0.498, p < 0.05), respectively]. Intake of EVOO was inversely correlated to body mass index (r = -0.767, p < 0.001). Lastly, a direct correlation was observed between the consumption of alcohol and sweets and snacks (r = 0.608, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The main findings support the existence of poor dietary quality and anthropometrical profile. Interdisciplinary team assessment would be beneficial to enhance the quality of life and attenuate the development of comorbidities in subjects with ABI.