Energy and nutrient intakes in congenital heart disease.

Children with congenital heart disease may have significant growth retardation, which in part may be caused by insufficient dietary intake. Data on energy and nutrient intake were collected using a 14-day dietary record by weighing, in 22 children with congenital heart disease (mean age 39 months, range 12-126 months), prior to corrective operation. When viewed in relation to actual weight, energy intake averaged 88% (SD 17%) of that recommended by the FAO/WHO/UNU. Energy intakes and weight SD scores were significantly correlated (r = 0.55, p < 0.01). Protein intake was generally high, and even sufficient to allow catch-up growth. The majority of the children did not meet the recommendations for iron, zinc, calcium, or vitamins D, E, C, B1 or B6. Parents should be advised to give their children vitamin/mineral supplements, and to supply extra energy to children with failure to thrive.