Background/Objectives: Children with Down syndrome (DS) present unique and multifaceted nutritional challenges arising from genetic, metabolic, and developmental factors. Despite growing interest in the health of individuals with DS, dedicated nutritional guidelines tailored to their specific needs remain lacking. This narrative review aims to summarize current scientific evidence on nutritional status, challenges, and therapeutic strategies in children with DS, with an emphasis on clinical implications and practical recommendations for healthcare professionals. Methods: A literature search was conducted across four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) for English-language publications from 1993 to June 2025. Thirty-five peer-reviewed articles were included, comprising original studies, narrative reviews, and expert guidelines (e.g., the American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP], the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition [ESPGHAN], and the European Federation of Associations of Dietitians [EFAD]). The selection process followed the PRISMA protocol. Studies were categorized according to key themes: energy requirements, comorbidities, feeding difficulties, nutrient needs, and therapeutic interventions. Results: Children with DS typically exhibit lower basal metabolic rates and altered body composition (i.e., higher fat mass and reduced lean mass), which increase their risk of both obesity and nutrient deficiencies. Common comorbidities—such as hypothyroidism, celiac disease, and gastrointestinal or immune disorders—further complicate dietary management. Feeding difficulties, including sucking/swallowing impairments, food selectivity, neophobia, and delayed independence in eating, are prevalent and significantly affect diet quality. Key nutrients of concern include protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamins B12 and D, iron, and antioxidants. Although no official nutrition guidelines currently exist for this population, existing recommendations from pediatric and dietetic organizations provide partial guidance that can be adapted to clinical practice. Conclusions: There is an urgent need to develop evidence-based, population-specific dietary guidelines for children with Down syndrome. Clinical nutrition care should be individualized, multidisciplinary, and proactive, integrating regular assessments of growth, feeding abilities, and biochemical markers. Dietitians must play a central role in both early intervention and long-term management. Further research, particularly interventional studies, is essential to optimize dietary strategies and improve health outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Background: Food neophobia, defined as reluctance to try new foods, may lead to nutritional deficiencies and complicate dietary management—especially in individuals with Down syndrome, who often present with oral-motor dysfunction. This condition may result in nutritional deficiencies and difficulties in adhering to dietary recommendations, particularly in individuals with comorbidities. In individuals with Down syndrome (DS), who frequently present with oral motor disorders and chronic diseases, the problem may be especially pronounced. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the risk of food neophobia and feeding difficulties in children, adolescents, and young adults with Down syndrome, as well as their associations with age, gender, and body weight. Methods: The research was conducted using the CAWI method among 310 caregivers of individuals with DS in Poland. Two validated tools were employed: the Montreal Children’s Hospital Feeding Scale (MCH-FS) and the Food Neophobia Scale for Children (FNSC). Body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, and demographic data were also analyzed. Results: Findings revealed that the majority of participants (55.2%) had normal body weight, while 19.4% were undernourished and 6.5% were classified as obese. Feeding difficulties of moderate to very high severity were reported in 26.5% of the participants. A high risk of food neophobia was identified in 41.3% of respondents, most frequently in the preschool age group. A statistically significant association was observed between age and the severity of both feeding difficulties and neophobia (p < 0.05). However, no significant relationships were found with gender or body weight. Conclusions: Feeding difficulties and food neophobia are prevalent among individuals with Down syndrome, particularly in preschool-aged children. The findings highlight the necessity of an interdisciplinary therapeutic approach and the individualization of dietary interventions, taking developmental age into account. Further studies are warranted, with consideration of environmental and psychosocial factors.

Background: Dietary modifications are recommended alongside pharmacotherapy in treating both diabetes mellitus (DM) and coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. Aims: The primary aim of our study was to assess the diet in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and myocardial infarction (MI) and to identify dietary differences between patients after the first and subsequent cardiovascular (CV) event. The secondary aim was to analyze the differences between men’s and women’s diets. Methods: The study population consisted of patients with DM/T2DM and MI. The research tool was the original author’s questionnaire which was collected personally by a qualified dietician. Results: The study included 67 patients with a mean age of 69 ± 8 years, hospitalized at the Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases in Zabrze in 2019. The study found that patients consumed less bread, whole-grain cereal products, fermented milk products, and vegetables than was recommended. A total of 32.8% of patients reported an intake of sweetened beverages, while 85.1% of participants consumed sweets despite being diagnosed with DM. Except for sweetened drinks, no differences in dietary behaviors were found in the patients after the first and second MI episode. Most of the included patients assessed their diet as appropriate. Conclusion: The dietary assessment of diabetes and myocardial infarction patients indicates that the diet does not comply with dietary recommendations, thus increasing the risk of a recurrent cardiac event despite a previous MI. No differences between the men’s and the women’s nutritional habits were observed.