H Sabour, A Norouzia Javidan, Mr Vafa, F Shidfar, M Nazari, S Athari Nik Azm, A Rahimi, H Emami Razavi, H Saberi,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (6-2011)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Despite an increased risk of obesity and CHD in people with spinal cord injury (SCI),
there is little known about the dietary intake in this group, therefore the aim of this study was to examine nutrient
intake and body mass index (BMI) in the spinal cord injury (SCI) population according to level of injury and
related variables.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 162 patients with spinal cord injury participated from Brain and Spinal
Injury Repair research Center, Tehran, Iran. Dietary intakes were assessed by means of a semi quantitative food
frequency questionnaire.
Results: The mean age of study population was 34.1±0.6 years. Total energy and carbohydrate intake were
higher in men than women (P<0.001). Incomplete injured consumed more MUFA (P=0.03). The elderly were
consumed less total calorie, saturated fat, MUFA, cholesterol (P<0.01) and PUFA (P<0.05). Injured patients with
longer times had lower total calorie, carbohydrate (P<0.01), total fat and MUFA intake (P<0.05). Based on new
classification 60.5% were at the risk of obesity or obese. Central obesity was seen in 33.1%of man and 48.4%
of women. BMI of the paraplegia group was greater than that of the tetraplegia group (P= 0.009).
Conclusion: Macronutrients balance is moved towards higher saturated fat intake and less complex
carbohydrates and protein intake in SCI patient’s .The elderly and patients who had lived with SCI longer time
tended to maintain healthier diets.
