Caught Between Vulnerability and Neglect: Nutrition in People with Intellectual Disabilities.

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PubMedPublished 2026Nutrition, Fitness & LifestyleDietary Supplements
Journal
Nutrients
Record source
PubMed Research Library

Abstract / Description

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.
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