Food Related Issues

Feeding Difficulties in Angelman syndrome

• It is estimated that over 60% of children display a range of eating problems and a narrow range of food preferences relative to children with intellectual disability without Angelman syndrome. Abnormal eating behaviour also occurs more frequently in Angelman syndrome when compared to two other genetic syndromes (fragile X syndrome and 1p36 syndrome).
• Individuals with Angelman syndrome may have specific nutritional needs or challenges related to feeding difficulties. Consulting with a dietitian can help manage these needs and ensure proper growth and development.
• There is emerging research to suggest that eating behaviours may differ across genetic subtypes, with children with Angelman syndrome caused by Uniparental Disomy showing a higher frequency of hyperphagia (excessive appetite) compared to children with Angelman syndrome caused by a deletion.
• A research study conducted at the University of Birmingham suggested that food related problems may be present in a similar proportion of children and adults with Angelman syndrome as in people with Prader-Willi syndrome. Research is ongoing to understand how food related difficulties may be related to different genetic subtypes of Angelman syndrome, and the full extent of these comparisons may not yet be fully established.
• There are a small number of reports which suggest that food related difficulties may lead to higher rates of obesity in individuals with Angelman syndrome, although the overall number of children with Angelman syndrome who are overweight is unknown. Weight gain may also be due to decreased movement in older individuals.