USE OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH NEUROLOGICAL IMPAIRMENT AND DYSPHAGIA

Resumo

Children and adolescents with neurological impairments, especially those with cerebral palsy, face important challenges related to feeding and nutritional status. Oropharyngeal dysphagia is frequent in this population, compromising safe and efficient swallowing and increasing the risk of aspiration, respiratory infections, and malnutrition. In this context, the use of oral dietary supplements has been adopted as a strategy to improve nutritional intake and promote growth and development. This study aims to identify the use of dietary supplements in children and adolescents with neurological impairments and dysphagia. This is an observation al, cross - sectional, and quantitative study, approved by the Research Ethics Committee, in accordance with Resolution No. 466/2012 of the National Health Council, integrated into a broader study already approved under opinion No. 5.604.585. The sample is composed of children and adolescents of both sexes, aged between 2 and 19 years, diagnosed with neurological impairment and receiving oral feeding. Selection occurred by convenience sampling from patients treated in the Amor de Criança project. Individuals with neurological diagnosis and dysphagia confirmed in medical records, exclusively oral feeding, and signed informed consent by legal guardians were included. Information regarding supplement use was obtained through structured questionnaires administere d to caregivers. The sample includes 138 participants, of whom descriptive analysis showed that 50 (36%) use hypercaloric and hyperproteic supplements. The results indicate that less than half of the evaluated children and adolescents use dietary supplements, even in the presence of neurological impairments and possible specific nutritional needs, reinforcing the importance of individualized nutritional follow-up and interdisciplinary care. However, further studies on the subject are necessary in order to expand scientific knowledge and enable more consistent conclusions regarding the use of dietary supplements and their relationship with the nutritional status of this population. It is expected that the findings will contribute to the development of more ef fective and individualized nutritional strategies, promoting improvement in nutritional status and quality of life in this population.