The Comparison of Growth and Nutrient Intakes in Children with and without Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

The prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) has increased recently all over the world. Several studies worldwide reported growth retardation associated with AD, but few studies were reported in Korea. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identity the differences in growth and nutrient intakes between Korean children with and without AD. The participants were 71 AD children and age, gender-matched 81 control children aged 10 to 36 months. Demographic information was gathered by questionnaires. Height and weight were measured at clinic and health centers. Height and weight for age, and weight for height were converted as deviation in Z scores using World Health Organization Standard. A 24 hour dietary recall method was performed to estimate nutrient intakes. A higher percentage of AD children had insufficient energy and intakes of calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and vitamin B2 , defined as intakes lower than 75% of the Dietary Reference Intakes for Korean, compared to the control group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.003, P = 0.001, P = 0.014, P = 0.001, respectively). The percentages of children with height and weight for age Z score below than-1 (stunted) were significantly higher in the AD group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Multiple food restriction, defined as ≥ 3 food elimination, was associated with insufficient energy and intakes of calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, vitamins A and B2 . In conclusion, children with AD need regular nutrient assessment and education about alternative food choices to avoid r food elimination in order to prevent growth retardation or inadequate nutrient intakes. Further longitudinal studies for growth and nutrient intakes should be performed to understand the patterns of growth in children with AD. (Korean J Community Nutr 17(3) : 271~279, 2012)