Additional Costs of Diets for Metabolic Diseases in Children and Adolescents: Exemplary Scenario Calculations in Germany.

Abstract

Objectives: Several metabolic diseases require indicated diets, often including special foods and supplements. The assessed scenario calculations aim to quantify the additional expenses caused by necessary dietary treatment in children and adolescents in alignment with a healthy diet based on the 'optimized mixed diet'. The optimized mixed diet fulfils the nutrient requirements for all ages (1-18 y) by adjusting the food amounts to their age-dependent energy requirements.

Methods: For the food cost calculation, a sample patient (age group 4<7 y) was used. To determine additional costs, the 7-day model menu of the optimized mixed diet was modified based on specific requirements for each disease. Nutritional adequacy of all menus was assured using nutrition software 'Diät 2020'. Food amounts for all different age groups 1<18 years were determined by using calculation factors. Menu costs were calculated using current food prices collected in two supermarkets, pharmacies and online; lowest available prices were recorded.

Results: Fourteen diseases were expected to cause additional costs and included in the calculations. The average additional costs of all diseases amounted for 48.88 €/mo for the reference group. The range for the expected additional costs for the reference group was between approx. 16 €-101 €/mo.

Conclusions: The results of this first assessment of food costs required by certain metabolic diseases shall provide guidance for possible targeted financial support for caregivers of children with special dietary needs in Germany, from which other countries may benefit likewise.