(1) Background: This study aimed to assess body composition (BC) using bioelectrical impedance and food intake in juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) patients. Associations between BC and physical activity, disease activity/cumulative damage and health-related quality of life parameters were also evaluated; (2) Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with 30 consecutive JDM patients (18 female and 12 male) and 24 healthy volunteers (14 female and 10 male) of both sexes followed at our pediatric rheumatology unit. The gathering of anthropometric and dietary data, and the performance of physical activity and bioelectrical impedance were undertaken in face-to-face meetings and through questionnaires. Clinical and therapeutic data were collected from medical records according to information from routine medical appointments; (3) Results: The frequency of high/very high body fat was significantly higher in controls compared with JDM patients (66.7% vs. 91.7%; p = 0.046). The median phase angle was significantly lower in patients compared with controls (5.2 ± 1.3 vs. 6.1 ± 1.0; p = 0.016). Body fat and lean mass were positively correlated with disease duration (r_s = +0.629, p < 0.001 and r_s = +0.716, p < 0.001, respectively) and phase angle (PhA) (r_s = +0.400, p = 0.029 and r_s = +0.619, p < 0.001, respectively). JDM patients with PhA ≥ 5.5 presented higher lean mass when compared with patients with PhA < 5.5 (p = 0.001); (4) Conclusions: Bioelectrical impedance can be a useful auxiliary exam in the medical and nutritional follow-up of JDM patients, because it seems to impact functional ability. These findings may assist professionals when advising JDM patients about the importance of physical activity and healthy eating in the preservation of lean mass.

Aim: To evaluate the status of the nutritional management of diet-treated IEM in Brazil from the perspectives of healthcare professionals, patients, and families. Methods: Data were collected through two nationwide digital questionnaires administered to healthcare professionals involved in dietary management (n = 37) and to patients and caregivers (n = 278), addressing professional training, workload, access to resources, treatment adherence, and socioeconomic factors. Results: Healthcare professionals from 20 out of the 26 Brazilian states participated, most of them female (81%) and dietitians (81%). Although more than half had over 10 years of experience, 59% considered their training insufficient to work with IEM. Only 19% reported exclusive dedication to the field, and 54% were the sole professional responsible for dietary prescriptions at their center. Weekly workload dedicated to IEM varied widely. Among the patients and families, phenylketonuria (60.4%) and glycogen storage disease (25.9%) were the most frequent conditions. Higher educational level and longer time since diagnosis were associated with a better understanding of dietary management (p < 0.05). Among patients on protein-restricted diets, most reported regular use of protein substitutes, although 92% reported poor palatability and 36% reported supply problems. Access to special low-protein foods was limited, and over half of the families reported some level of food insecurity. Conclusions: Significant systemic, logistical, and socioeconomic barriers to optimal dietary management of IEM persist in Brazil, highlighting the need for strengthened public policies, professional training, and equitable access to dietary resources.

A confirmação de que os lactentes que apresentam cólica possuem uma microbiota intestinal desequilibrada trouxe o interesse por pesquisas que avaliem a suplementação probiótica na melhora dos sintomas. Estudos sugerem que a suplementação de probióticos para gestantes, lactantes e lactentes e uma dieta materna com baixo teor de FODMAPs pode estar associada a uma melhora dos sintomas da cólica do bebê. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar se essas estratégias são eficazes para o tratamento da cólica até o terceiro mês de vida. Resultados: Dentre os 16 estudos analisados, a suplementação de probióticos do gênero Lactobacillus e Bifidobacteria tanto na mãe quanto no bebê parecem reduzir a cólica infantil. A dieta materna com baixo teor de FODMAPs também apresentou resposta promissora. Conclusão: Apesar dos resultados animadores, mais trabalhos precisam ser realizados a fim de comprovar a hipótese das estratégias nutricionais na mãe e no bebê.