Differences in presence and distribution of various food groups in persons with spinal cord injury

The aim of this study was to analyse the dietary habits of subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI), especially to evaluate differences in the presence and distribution of various food groups among a group of males and females. Subjects (n = 50, n1 = 36 males, n2 = 14 females) completed a frequency questionnaire, which included questions focused on the detection of size of consumed foods and frequency of consumption of various food groups (cereals, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, meat, meat products, fats, sweets). We noted significant differences in the composition of breakfast (meat intake), lunch (vegetable intake, dairy intake), dinner (dairy intake, sweet intake), snacks (fats intake) in males and females. Differences in dietary habits of males and females with SCI especially concerned sizes of consumed servings of food, but also the representation of individual food groups in the diet throughout the day. In this context, the adapted food pyramid can be used as a visual tool to facilitate understanding and the maintenance of a healthy diet.