• Increase Font Size
  • Decrease Font Size
  • View as PDF

  • Intervention
    In patients with intellectual disabilities or special needs (including Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Neural Tube Defects), what is the effectiveness of MNT provided by the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) on nutrition-related outcomes (i.e., weight, feeding difficulties, nutrient intake, nutrient deficiencies)?
    • Conclusion

      There is a paucity of research assessing the effectiveness of MNT provided by nutrition professionals (registered dietitian, nutritionist, etc.) for the intellectual disability and special needs population. Only one positive-quality RCT was identified since 1975 meeting this project’s inclusion criteria. This study supports the effectiveness of MNT by a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) at improving anthropometric outcomes in 20 adolescents with Autism or Down Syndrome. Additional research is required to evaluate the frequency and duration of MNT visits by RDN in patients with intellectual disabilities and special needs population.

    • Grade: IV
      • Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
      • Grade II is Fair;
      • Grade III is Limited/Weak;
      • Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
      • Grade V is Not Assignable.
      • High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
      • Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
      • Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
      • Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
      • Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
    In patients with intellectual disabilities or special needs (including Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Neural Tube Defects), what is the cost effectiveness of MNT by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) on non-nutrition related outcomes (i.e., hospitalization, medication use, use of health care system, number of medical visits)?
    • Conclusion
      No published research was identified to assess the cost benefit of MNT provided by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) on nutrition-related outcomes for patients with intellectual disabilities or special needs. Future research is required to ascertain the cost effectiveness, benefit or savings of MNT provided by a RDN for this patient population.
    • Grade: V
      • Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
      • Grade II is Fair;
      • Grade III is Limited/Weak;
      • Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
      • Grade V is Not Assignable.
      • High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
      • Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
      • Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
      • Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
      • Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.