Caught Between Vulnerability and Neglect: Nutrition in People with Intellectual Disabilities
Abstract
People with intellectual disabilities are disproportionately affected by diet-related health inequalities. This Perspective outlines a dual challenge: (1) intrinsic vulnerabilities-cognitive limitations, health-literacy constraints, and comorbidities-that impair individuals' ability to make healthy dietary choices, and (2) extrinsic neglect-insufficient support in care environments, inadequate nutrition-related training among informal caregivers and support staff, and structural gaps in policy and services. We argue that this "double jeopardy" undermines nutritional equity and proposes strategies for person-centered nutrition education, caregiver empowerment, supportive food environments, and inclusive policy frameworks. Greater interdisciplinary collaboration and tailored research are urgently needed to ensure nutritional health as a right for people with intellectual disabilities.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Down syndrome and intellectual disability research
Disability Rights and Representation
Disability Education and Employment
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Nutrients
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 304–304
- Publication date
- 18 January 2026
- Language
- EN