Nutrient Intake and Body Habitus After Spinal Cord Injury: An Analysis by Sex and Level of Injury

J Spinal Cord Med, 2009 · DOI: · Published: February 1, 2009

Spinal Cord Injury Physiology Nutrition & Dietetics

Simple Explanation

This study examines the diets and body weight of people with spinal cord injuries (SCI), focusing on how these factors differ between men and women and based on the level of their injury (tetraplegia vs. paraplegia). It looks at calorie and nutrient intake and compares these to recommended levels. Researchers analyzed 4-day food logs from participants to understand their typical diets. They compared nutrient intake to recommended levels for the general population, considering factors like sex and injury level. The study found that many individuals with SCI had diets lacking in key nutrients and often consumed too much fat. Adjusted BMI calculations suggested a high prevalence of overweight or obesity in this population, indicating a need for better nutritional guidance.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

73 community-dwelling individuals with C5-T12 ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) A or B SCI

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
Women with paraplegia tended to have healthier diets, with lower calorie and fat intakes and fewer nutrient deficiencies.
2
Individuals with tetraplegia often consumed more calories and had higher BMIs, with a majority being overweight or obese according to adjusted BMI calculations.
3
Overall, the majority of individuals with SCI would benefit from nutritional counseling to prevent secondary health conditions as they age.

Research Summary

The study aimed to examine nutrient intake and body mass index (BMI) in the spinal cord injury (SCI) population according to level of injury and sex. Data was collected via 4-day food logs from 73 community-dwelling individuals with SCI. The results indicated that, excluding one woman with tetraplegia, total calorie intake for the other three groups was below observed values for the general population. However, fat intake was often higher than recommended, and intake of several vitamins and minerals was inadequate. The study concluded that women with paraplegia tended to maintain healthier diets, while individuals with tetraplegia had higher BMIs. The majority of people with SCI could benefit from nutritional counseling.

Practical Implications

Nutritional Counseling

There is a need for nutritional counseling and education tailored to SCI populations.

Adjusted BMI

Clinicians should consider adjusting BMI tables for individuals with SCI to better assess disease risk.

Dietary Changes

Encourage simple dietary changes such as increasing fruit and vegetable intake and decreasing overall fat and refined carbohydrate intakes.

Study Limitations

1
Potential for under-reporting of intake despite efforts to increase accuracy.
2
Potential inaccuracies in BMI calculation due to self-reporting of height.
3
Study design is exploratory and cross-sectional with a limited sample size, particularly in the female tetraplegia subgroup.

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