Trisomy 21, or Down Syndrome, is the most common genetic cause of learning disability in the UK, affecting 1 in 1000 live births.  Neuronal depletion and structural abnormalities of the brain are seen even in infants with Down syndrome.  Why the changes occur isn’t fully understood, but it has been suspected that the damage to the neural cells is caused by an increased activity of superoxide dismutase that occurs in children with Down syndrome, which increases concentrations of hydrogen peroxide.

The presence of damaging superoxide dismutase  led to a belief that high levels of antioxidants may reduce the effects of Down syndrome, improving language and psychomotor development.  Previous studies have investigated the effects of folate and antioxidants, with no significant effect being found.  However, due to commercial marketing claiming substantial benefits, many parents of children with Down syndrome give their children specialized vitamin and mineral supplements.

A study published by the British Journal of Medicine, finds that such supplements do not help.  UK researchers studied the effect of specialized supplements on 156 babies under 7 months old with Down syndrome.  The children were assessed for development after an 18 month period, and the researchers found that the supplements made no difference.  This is important information for parents to consider before giving such supplements to their child, as there are potentially adverse effects from high doses of vitamins and minerals.

Source: British Medical Journal